
Brit teen jailed in Dubai for sex with fellow UK tourist begs ruling Sheikh for pardon after 'most traumatic and life-altering experience imaginable'
A British teenager who was jailed in Dubai over a consensual relationship during a family holiday has begged for mercy from the emirate's leader.
Marcus Fakana has formally submitted a plea for clemency to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai.
The 19-year-old was sentenced to one year in prison after he struck up a romantic relationship with a 17-year-old British girl.
Both his family and the girl's family were on holiday at the time.
Marcus, who was 18 when the relationship began, is currently being held in Al Awir Prison, where he has spent several months in isolating and harsh conditions.
He has now placed his hopes on a humanitarian pardon from Dubai's leadership.
'This has been the most traumatic and life-altering experience imaginable for Marcus,' said Radha Stirling, founder of Detained in Dubai, which is supporting the teen's family.
'He is barely an adult himself and never intended to break any law.
He had formally submitted a plea for clemency to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai (pictured)
'What happened was legal in the UK and consensual.
'But now he is facing permanent damage to his mental health and future prospects because of it.'
Prison conditions are reportedly taking a toll on Marcus, who is said to have only limited contact with his family.
His parents have made repeated appeals to David Lammy MP, and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
They have also requested the British Embassy in Dubai to help secure his release.
Radha said: 'If Marcus could go back in time, he would.
'He has shown remorse and fully respects the laws of the UAE.
'He only hopes the government will show compassion and allow him to return home to rebuild his life.
'He's very young and this is a heartbreaking way to begin adulthood.'
The family is urging the British public and authorities to back their plea for clemency.
They have warned of the legal risks young Britons face in countries with vastly different legal systems.
Radha added: 'Parents need to be aware that teens can be charged in the UAE for behaviour that would not be considered criminal at home.
'Whether that's a relationship, social media activity, or even drinking alcohol.
'Marcus is struggling, and this experience will leave a permanent scar.
'We implore Sheikh Mohammed and the government of Dubai to hear his pleas and let him come home.'
Marcus continues to pray that his voice will be heard, with pardons expected to be finalised this month.
MailOnline has contacted the UK's Foreign Office for comment.
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BBC News
2 hours ago
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But beneath the headlines of opinion polls, divisions over the war still largely fall along political half of right-wing Israelis told an IDI survey last week that the war could still bring back the hostages or destroy Hamas; only 6% of those on the left felt the same. After a brief moment of unity after the Hamas attacks, old political divisions have resurfaced here, as deep as Eliahu Ifhar, the developmental psychologist at the protest in Tel Aviv, says that differences over the war are dividing her from friends, not just from adversaries."When I hear the bombs in Gaza, it tears me apart. But there are people, even my friends, who hear these bombs and say, 'ok they deserve it'. I can't spend time with them. I just can't look them in the eyes." 'It's my home, my country' Amit Halevy, the protestor who described the abuse she received at peace demonstrations, decided several months ago to leave Israel for a while and head to America, to find respite from the daily confrontation with her here too, she has found herself told me how she had been to a pro-Palestinian demo there, and that when she told people she was from Israel, some didn't want to speak to her. "I said I was on their side, and that I go to pro-Palestinian demos in Israel," Amit told me. "One girl asked me stupid questions, like 'do your friends support the genocide?' 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