Let me go house, pleads convicted teenager in Dubai

An 18-year-old British man sentenced to a yr in jail for a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old British lady in Dubai has known as on the emirate’s ruler to “let me go house”.

Marcus Fakana, from north London, started a secret vacation romance in September with one other Londoner, now 18.

After returning house and seeing pictures and chats, the lady’s mom reported the connection to Dubai police, who arrested Fakana at her lodge. Intercourse with one other particular person underneath the age of 18 is against the law in Dubai.

A Downing Avenue spokesperson stated: “The Prime Minister acknowledges that that is a particularly distressing state of affairs for Marcus and his household. »

Talking in short-term lodging whereas on bail, Fakana advised marketing campaign group Detained in Dubai: “My household and I are devastated and in shock.

“I by no means meant to interrupt the regulation. It didn’t happen to me on the time and for that, I’m sorry. I request His Highness, Sheikh Mohammed Al Maktoum, to forgive me and forgive me.

“Let me go house. Please give me my life again.”

On Wednesday, Detained in Dubai known as the ruling a “whole shame” and stated Tottenham’s Fakana would attraction the “unreasonable” sentence.

The 2 youngsters have been on vacation with their dad and mom within the UAE from the UK, the place the age of consent is 16.

Fakana had advised his household in regards to the romance, however the lady had not advised him about hers.

The 18-year-old’s dad and mom returned to London after the vacations to return to their jobs in a warehouse and as a cleaner to assist pay for his short-term lodging in Dubai.

The Downing Avenue spokesperson added: “The Overseas Workplace is in common contact along with his household and authorized crew at this tough time.

“He isn’t presently detained, consular officers are supporting him all through this era and can proceed to take action.”

The Dubai authorities beforehand stated: “Below UAE regulation, the lady is legally thought of a minor and, in accordance with internationally acknowledged procedures, her mom – as authorized guardian – filed a criticism . »

He added: “Dubai’s authorized system is dedicated to defending the rights of all people and making certain neutral authorized proceedings. »

The BBC has contacted him for additional remark.

Radha Stirling, founder and chief government of Detained in Dubai, which helps foreigners overseas and is a world authority on UAE regulation, advised the BBC that Fakana’s sentence was “unfathomable”.

She stated: “This doesn’t justify a yr in jail, doesn’t justify tearing this household aside and ruining this 18-year-old’s life.

“I’m assured that on attraction the custodial sentence can be overturned and he can be allowed to return house.

“The query is how lengthy is it going to take and the way a lot effort is it going to take, whether or not it is British intervention or public assist to inform Dubai that that is unacceptable?”