Dubai-Sentenced Teen Appeals for Return Home

A British man, aged 18, who received a one-year prison sentence in Dubai for engaging in a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old British girl, has made an appeal to the emirate’s ruler, stating, “to let me go home”. Marcus Fakana, a resident of north London, initiated a private holiday romance in September with a fellow Londoner, who has since turned 18. Upon returning home and reviewing images and messages, the girl’s mother informed the Dubai police, leading to Fakana’s arrest at his hotel. In Dubai, sexual relations with an individual under the age of 18 are prohibited by law. A spokesperson for Downing Street commented: “The prime minister recognises it’s an extremely distressing situation for Marcus and his family.” While residing in temporary accommodation and out on bail, Fakana conveyed to the campaign organization Detained in Dubai: “My family and I are devastated and in shock.” He continued, “I never intended to break the law. It didn’t occur to me at the time and for that, I’m sorry. I am asking His Highness, Sheikh Mohammed Al Maktoum to please forgive me and pardon me. “Let me go home. Please give me my life back.”” On Wednesday, Detained in Dubai characterized the ruling as an “utter disgrace” and indicated that Fakana, who is from Tottenham, intended to appeal the “unreasonable” sentence. Both adolescents were vacationing with their parents in the UAE, having traveled from the UK, where the legal age of consent is 16. Fakana had informed his relatives about the relationship, but the girl had not disclosed it to her own family. The parents of the 18-year-old have gone back to London following their holiday to restart their employment in a warehouse and as a cleaner, in order to contribute to the cost of his temporary lodging in Dubai. The Downing Street spokesman further stated: “The Foreign Office is in regular contact with his family and his legal team at this difficult time.” He is not presently in custody; consular officials are providing support to him during this time and will persist in doing so. The Dubai government had previously commented: “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.” It further stated: “Dubai’s legal system is committed to protecting the rights of all individuals and ensuring impartial judicial proceedings.” The BBC has sought additional comment from the entity. Radha Stirling, who is the founder and chief executive of Detained in Dubai – an organization that assists foreigners overseas and is recognized as an international authority on UAE law – informed the BBC that Fakana’s sentence was “unfathomable”. She asserted: “It does not warrant a year in jail, doesn’t warrant tearing this family apart and ruining this young 18-year-old’s life.” She expressed confidence, stating, “I’m confident that, on appeal, the custodial sentence will be overturned and he will be allowed to return home.” She then posed the question: “The question is how long is that going to take and how much effort is that going to take, whether that’s British intervention or the public support in telling Dubai this is unacceptable?”” Listeners can access the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Story ideas may be sent to hello.bbclondon@bbc.co.uk. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content of external sites. Details regarding its approach to external linking are available.