A British teenager sentenced to at least one yr in jail in Dubai after a “vacation romance” with a 17-year-old lady has surrendered himself to authorities to start his sentence, based on a marketing campaign group.
Marcus Fakana, 18, was along with his household in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) when he met the lady, who can also be from London and is now 18.
He was arrested and charged after the lady’s mom discovered their chats and footage and referred to as the Dubai police.
Marketing campaign group Detained In Dubai beforehand mentioned Fakana deliberate to enchantment the sentence and urged UK International Secretary David Lammy, who’s the household’s MP in Tottenham, to intervene.
Nonetheless, when requested concerning the case, the international secretary mentioned people should “follow the rules” of other countries. He additionally mentioned Fakana had “all of the assist obtainable” from UK officers.
The pinnacle of Detained In Dubai, Radha Stirling, mentioned Fakana had now handed himself in to authorities and meant to serve his year-long sentence in Dubai’s al Awir jail.
She mentioned he nonetheless hoped for a pardon from Dubai’s ruler, Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, and assist from Mr Lammy and the British embassy.
She mentioned: “I fear concerning the affect of Dubai jail on an 18-year-old’s life. It wasn’t straightforward to seek out the phrases to say to him as he surrendered his freedom.”
He’ll serve his sentence in al Awir jail, based on the marketing campaign group Detained in Dubai
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Ms Stirling additionally shared a message from Fakana, who mentioned: “Thanks to everybody who has supported me all through my struggle.
“It has been an extended struggle, however nothing is tough with my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ guiding me.
“I am grateful for all of the individuals who have helped by donating to me and my household of religion for supporting me.”
Fakana beforehand mentioned the pair stored their romance secret from the lady’s household “as a result of they had been strict” and had hoped to proceed seeing one another again within the UK.
Nonetheless, he mentioned police turned up at his household’s lodge and took him into custody with out clarification.
Dubai is well-known for its strict legal guidelines on medication, alcohol and intercourse. The age of consent is eighteen and strictly enforced.
In a earlier assertion, prosecutors mentioned: “Below UAE regulation, the lady is legally labeled as a minor, and in accordance with procedures recognised internationally, her mom – being the authorized guardian – filed the criticism.
“Dubai’s authorized system is dedicated to defending the rights of all people and making certain neutral judicial proceedings.”
