UK teenager jailed in Dubai over relationship with 17-year-old girl

A campaign organization has reported that an 18-year-old man from London has received a one-year prison sentence in Dubai for engaging in a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old girl.

According to Detained in Dubai, Marcus Fakana from Tottenham in north London feels let down by both the British government and Keir Starmer.

Radha Stirling, the CEO of the organization, described the verdict as completely disgraceful and a source of shame for Britain. She argued that the UK has put trade agreements ahead of the well-being of individuals.

Fakana was in the United Arab Emirates with his parents at the end of August when he started a romantic relationship with another Londoner. This new partner has now turned 18, as mentioned by the campaign group earlier.

Upon returning to the UK and reviewing pictures and conversations, the girl's mother notified the police in Dubai. Reports suggest that this led to the arrest of Fakana at his hotel.

A representative from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office stated, "We are assisting a British citizen currently in the UAE and are in communication with his family."

According to Detained in Dubai, Fakana was kept at the infamous al-Barsha police station for three days without the ability to make a phone call or contact his parents.

In a message shared on social media, Stirling remarked: "The UK used to be the leading western nation with significant diplomatic sway in the Middle East. Today, we observe that nations such as Canada, Malaysia, Ireland, and the US are moving ahead of the UK."

“The Labour government should be embarrassed for failing to ensure the safety of a teenage traveler. It shouldn't have been that challenging.”

Stirling mentioned that Fakana, who has been detained in Dubai since September, plans to challenge his sentence and is “urgently wishing to return home this week.”

In Dubai, an adult who engages in a sexual relationship with someone under the age of 18 risks facing legal charges for engaging in relations with a minor.

The family has made a heartfelt request to Dubai's ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, asking him to show mercy towards Fakana.

Stirling expressed: “I encourage young individuals and their families to think twice before choosing Dubai for their vacations. Many visitors face the threat of unjust and prolonged imprisonment in facilities known for human rights violations and mistreatment. Travellers should consider booking their trips to other destinations until Marcus is released.”

Last month, Fakana shared with Detained in Dubai that he and the girl had a great experience together and genuinely enjoyed each other's company. He also mentioned that he felt panicked when the police took him into custody.

He mentioned that he was staying in an Airbnb that was charging his family £2,000 per month. Fakana also shared with the group that Dubai had requested a bail amount of 10,000 AED (£2,200).

The teenager has garnered support from the community, as a Change.org petition asking the government for greater assistance has gathered over 40,000 signatures.

According to GoFundMe, a fundraising campaign started by Fakana’s family, titled “Help Bring Marcus Home,” has raised over £35,000.