Marcus Fakana, an 18-year-old British male, is pleading with the ruler of Dubai for clemency after receiving a one-year prison sentence for engaging in consensual sexual contact with a 17-year-old British girl while on holiday.
The girl has since turned eighteen. Fakana, from north London, met her in September while on a family vacation in Dubai. Dubai law forbids anyone under the age of 18 from having intercourse, even though their relationship is lawful in the UK.
When the girl’s mother discovered messages and pictures and complained to Dubai police, the relationship was revealed. According to the BBC, Fakana was arrested at his hotel and subsequently given a sentence.
“I never intended to break the law,” Fakana stated via the Detained in Dubai campaign group. I am pleading with His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Al Maktoum to pardon and forgive me. Permit me to return home. Please return my life to me.
Awaiting the outcome of an appeal, Fakana is now out on bond. The situation has been characterized as a “devastating” ordeal by his parents, who moved back to the UK to work and support him during his court battle.
The punishment has drawn criticism from Radha Stirling, founder of Detained in Dubai, who described it as “unfathomable.”
Stirling stated that he was confident the appeal would be successful but questioned how much time and diplomatic work it would require. “It does not warrant a year in jail, doesn’t warrant tearing this family apart and ruining this young 18-year-old’s life,” he said.
Authorities in Dubai have previously defended the decision, claiming that the complaint was in accordance with international protocols. “Dubai’s legal system is committed to protecting the rights of all individuals and ensuring impartial judicial proceedings,” said the administration.
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