A British teenager who was sentenced to a year in Dubai prison after a “holiday romance” with a fellow British teen has himself in to authorities.
Marcus Fakana, 18, from London, was arrested in September after an encounter with a British-Indian girl who was 17 at the time but is now 18.
Fakana was holidaying with his parents in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) when he met the girl, who is also from London, and their romance blossomed.
The arrest came after the girl's mother discovered their private messages and photographs upon returning to the UK and contacted Dubai authorities.
Detained in Dubai, a campaign group who aims to help Britons kept in the city against their will, had previously said that the teenager had planned to appeal the sentence.
The group and his family also appealed to Foreign Secretary David Lammy, who is also their local MP in Tottenham, to intervene in the case.
However, Lammy said that people should “follow the rules” of other countries, adding that Fakana had “all the support available” from officials in the UK.
The 18-year-old has now handed himself into authorities in Dubai and intends to serve his sentence in Dubai's al Awir prison.
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In a statement, Fakana said: “Thank you to everyone who has supported me throughout my fight. It’s been a long fight but nothing is hard with my Lord and saviour Jesus Christ guiding me. I’m grateful for all the people who helped by donating to me and my family of faith for supporting me.”
The head of the campaign group said that the sentencing was “nonsensical” and worries about the impact of prison on Fakana’s life.
Rahda Stirling said the 18-year-old still hopes for a pardon from Dubai's ruler, Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, and help from Lammy and the British embassy.
She said: “I worry about the impact of Dubai prison on an 18-year-old's life. It wasn't easy to find the words to say to him as he surrendered his freedom.
“The government of Dubai has handed a lengthy sentence to a British tourist who had consensual relations with another British tourist. Had the couple met just a month later, Marcus would not have been charged. The application of the law in this case is nonsensical.”
The couple had to meet in secret because the girl could not tell her “strict” mother she was seeing a boy.
“We had a wonderful time together. We really liked each other but she was secretive with her family because they were strict,” said Fakana.
He added: “My parents knew about our relationship but she couldn’t tell hers. She had to meet me without telling them it was to see a boy.”
The pair were hoping to continue their relationship back in London.
Fakana described feeling “frightened” as the police took him away for questioning, and he was held in the notorious Al Barsha Police station for three days.
In a previous statement, prosecutors said: “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.
“Dubai's legal system is committed to protecting the rights of all individuals and ensuring impartial judicial proceedings.”
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Marcus Fakana, 18, from London, was arrested in September after an encounter with a British-Indian girl who was 17 at the time but is now 18.
Fakana was holidaying with his parents in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) when he met the girl, who is also from London, and their romance blossomed.
The arrest came after the girl's mother discovered their private messages and photographs upon returning to the UK and contacted Dubai authorities.
Detained in Dubai, a campaign group who aims to help Britons kept in the city against their will, had previously said that the teenager had planned to appeal the sentence.
The group and his family also appealed to Foreign Secretary David Lammy, who is also their local MP in Tottenham, to intervene in the case.
However, Lammy said that people should “follow the rules” of other countries, adding that Fakana had “all the support available” from officials in the UK.
The 18-year-old has now handed himself into authorities in Dubai and intends to serve his sentence in Dubai's al Awir prison.
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In a statement, Fakana said: “Thank you to everyone who has supported me throughout my fight. It’s been a long fight but nothing is hard with my Lord and saviour Jesus Christ guiding me. I’m grateful for all the people who helped by donating to me and my family of faith for supporting me.”
The head of the campaign group said that the sentencing was “nonsensical” and worries about the impact of prison on Fakana’s life.
Rahda Stirling said the 18-year-old still hopes for a pardon from Dubai's ruler, Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, and help from Lammy and the British embassy.
She said: “I worry about the impact of Dubai prison on an 18-year-old's life. It wasn't easy to find the words to say to him as he surrendered his freedom.
“The government of Dubai has handed a lengthy sentence to a British tourist who had consensual relations with another British tourist. Had the couple met just a month later, Marcus would not have been charged. The application of the law in this case is nonsensical.”
The couple had to meet in secret because the girl could not tell her “strict” mother she was seeing a boy.
“We had a wonderful time together. We really liked each other but she was secretive with her family because they were strict,” said Fakana.
He added: “My parents knew about our relationship but she couldn’t tell hers. She had to meet me without telling them it was to see a boy.”
The pair were hoping to continue their relationship back in London.
Fakana described feeling “frightened” as the police took him away for questioning, and he was held in the notorious Al Barsha Police station for three days.
In a previous statement, prosecutors said: “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.
“Dubai's legal system is committed to protecting the rights of all individuals and ensuring impartial judicial proceedings.”
Find Out More...