An 18-year-old British man, Marcus Fakana from Tottenham, North London, has been sentenced to one year in prison in Dubai after engaging in a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old British girl during a family holiday.
The secret relationship began in September while both families were vacationing. Upon discovering photos and messages after their return to the UK, the girl’s mother reported the matter to Dubai police. Fakana was arrested at his hotel, as Dubai law prohibits sexual relations with anyone under 18.
The campaign group Detained In Dubai has criticised the sentence as “an utter disgrace,” arguing the case was mishandled and should have been treated as a misdemeanour. Radha Stirling, the group’s founder, stated that Fakana, who has been stuck in Dubai since September, is “desperately hoping” to return home.
His family has appealed to Dubai’s ruler, Sheikh Mohammed Al Maktoum, for clemency, with Stirling noting that the parents are struggling emotionally and financially after returning to London to resume their jobs as a cleaner and a warehouse worker.
A UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office spokesperson confirmed they are providing consular support and maintaining contact with Fakana’s family.
Detained In Dubai claims Fakana feels abandoned by the British government, adding that he will be deported after serving his sentence. The Dubai Public Prosecutor’s office has not commented on the case.
Fakana plans to appeal the ruling, as campaigners continue to call for his release.
[Image via Detained In Dubai]