Dubai Court Case Scheduled for 18-Year-Old Briton Regarding Relationship with 17-Year-Old Girl

Dubai’s office of public prosecution has announced a trial date for an 18-year-old British male. The charges relate to a sexual relationship he had with a 17-year-old British female in the emirate while both were vacationing with their respective families. According to Detained in Dubai, a UK-based campaign group, Marcus Fakana, from Tottenham, north London, initiated a private holiday romance in September with a fellow Londoner who has since reached the age of 18. The government of Dubai stated: “Under UAE law, the girl is legally classified as a minor, and in accordance with procedures recognised internationally, her mother – being the legal guardian – filed the complaint.” The court proceedings are scheduled for 9 December. Dubai’s office of public prosecution indicated that this scheduling was “at the request of the defendant’s legal counsel”. The office further commented: “Dubai’s legal system is committed to protecting the rights of all individuals and ensuring impartial judicial proceedings.” Radha Stirling, from the UK-based campaign group Detained in Dubai, reported on Thursday that the girl’s mother, upon returning home and reviewing images and messages on her daughter’s phone, informed Dubai police about the relationship, leading to Mr. Fakana’s arrest at his hotel. Ms. Stirling, who is the founder and chief executive of Detained in Dubai – an organization assisting foreigners overseas and recognized as an international authority on UAE law – stated that Mr. Fakana and his parents were “extremely distressed” by the unfolding situation. Speaking to BBC London, she characterized the case as “unique” due to the fact that “the age difference is so small” between the two individuals involved. She further elaborated: “This is clearly just a case of two older teenagers, both of them now the same age, who have been caught up because a mother reported the behaviour.” Ms. Stirling also mentioned that Mr. Fakana’s parents were compelled to go back to London. Mr. Fakana had previously expressed: “I pray this nightmare will be over and I’ll be home for Christmas.” A spokesperson for the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has commented: “We are supporting a British man in the UAE and are in contact with his family.” For further content, the best of BBC Radio London is available on Sounds, and updates from BBC London can be followed on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Story submissions can be sent to hello.bbclondon@bbc.co.uk. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the material found on external websites. Details regarding its policy on external linking are accessible.