Briton, 18, jailed in Dubai over sex with girl, 17
Detained in DubaiAn 18-year-old British man convicted of having sex with an underage 17-year-old British girl in Dubai has handed himself in to local authorities to begin a one-year prison sentence, a charity said.
Marcus Fakana, from Tottenham, north London, began a secret romance with another Londoner, now 18, in September while they were both on holiday with their families.
After returning home and seeing photos and chats between the two, the girl’s mother reported the relationship to Dubai police, who arrested him at Fakana’s hotel. In Dubai, it is illegal to have sex with anyone under 18 years of age.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said it was providing support to a British man in the UAE.
According to UK-based campaign group and charity Detained in Dubai, Fakana surrendered at Al Awir Prison in Dubai.
He has been out on bail and living in temporary accommodation in Dubai since his arrest last September. His parents had to return to London to continue their jobs in warehouses and as cleaners to help pay for their son’s accommodation.
‘He was very brave’
Radha Stirling, CEO of Detained in Dubai, an organization dedicated to helping foreigners abroad, is an international authority on UAE law. She said she had spoken to Fakana, who told her he would focus on his physical and mental health while in prison.
“Marcus hopes that, as his ordeal begins today, he will come home sooner than if he appeals,” she said.
“It is difficult to find the right words to tell a young man who has surrendered in a Dubai jail for a year.
“He is very brave and kind and I really hope he comes home as soon as possible.”
Fakana’s family are being supported by the charity, which said his parents are advocating for a royal pardon and a commutation of his sentence.
They also urged the British government and Foreign Secretary David Lamy to “find assistance”.
A Downing Street spokesman said earlier this month: “The Prime Minister recognizes that this is an extremely distressing situation for Marcus and his family.”
Previously, the charity explained that the two teenagers were traveling to the UAE on holiday with their parents from the UK, where the age of consent is 16.
Fakana had told his family about the affair, but the girl had not told hers.
The Dubai government previously said: “The girl is legally classified as a minor under UAE law and her mother (as legal guardian) filed a complaint in accordance with internationally recognized procedures.”
“Dubai’s legal system is committed to protecting the rights of all individuals and ensuring fair judicial proceedings,” it added.
