Brit teen jailed in Dubai over holiday fling begs for mercy
A BRITISH teenager jailed in Dubai over a holiday fling has begged for mercy.
Marcus Fakana, 19, has submitted a plea for clemency to the country's ruler.
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Brit teen Marcus Fakana, 19, jailed in Dubai over a holiday romance, has begged the country's ruler for clemency
Credit: PA
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The Brit teen is being held at the harsh Al Awir prison
Credit: AFP
He was sentenced to a year in
prison
for having
Both Marcus and his young lover had met while on holiday with their families.
Marcus, who was 18 at the time, has been held for months in the harsh Al Awir prison.
He has now pinned his hopes on a pardon from Dubai's leader,
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Radha Stirling, founder of Detained in Dubai, which is supporting the teen's family, said: 'This has been the most traumatic and life-altering experience imaginable for Marcus.
'He is barely an adult himself and
'What happened was legal in the UK and consensual.
'But now he is facing
future
prospects.'
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Prison conditions are reportedly taking a toll on Marcus, who is said to have only limited contact with his family.
His parents, from Tottenham, North
London
, have made repeated appeals to Foreign Secretary
I jetted off on ultimate lads' weekend…only to be arrested, tortured at 'Dubai Alcatraz' & threatened with death by firing squad
They have also asked the British Embassy in Dubai to help secure his release.
Ms Stirling added: 'Marcus has shown remorse and fully respects the laws of the UAE.
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'He only hopes the government will show compassion and allow him to return home to rebuild his life.
'We implore Sheikh Mohammed to hear his pleas.'
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The Journal
an hour ago
- The Journal
Leisure centre in Larne set alight by rioters as violence extends beyond Ballymena
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Irish Independent
3 hours ago
- Irish Independent
Ballymena riots: Fire started and windows smashed at Larne Leisure Centre
Social media posts have suggested that those moved out of Ballymena homes were being housed there earlier today. It is understood there is currently nobody inside the Leisure Centre. It comes as protestors have gathered in towns across Northern Ireland with some being peaceful, while others have turned violent. The initial rioting ignited in Ballymena with the PSNI saying it is 'not clear' if paramilitaries are coordinating violence in the Co Antrim town. Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson, speaking during a press conference today, said: "At this point it's not clear to us or through intelligence or what we're hearing if there's paramilitary coordination to it." Meanwhile, Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn is planning to visit Ballymena, it has been announced. The UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has also condemned 'mindless attacks' during the outbreak of violence in Ballymena and other parts of Northern Ireland. Seven people have been arrested and 33 PSNI officers were injured over two nights of what the PSNI Chief Constable has described as 'mindless violence'. Follow our live blog for the latest updates: 13 minutes ago Heavy police presence in Ballymena amid third night of protesting 16 minutes ago 'Larne does not need this', says East Antrim MLA Alliance MLA Danny Donnelly has condemned the attack of a leisure centre in his constituency. "Larne leisure centre has been attacked by masked thugs," the East Antrim MLA said. "Windows smashed and fires lit nearby. Larne does not need this." 20 minutes ago Communities Minister condemns attack on Larne Leisure Centre Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has condemned the attack of a leisure centre in Larne. The East Antrim MLA said: 'The violence and disorder witnessed on our streets over recent nights serves no purpose. Wanton destruction such as the attack on Larne Leisure Centre is an attack on all residents who use the facility. There is absolutely no excuse for what has taken place in Larne, and it must be condemned.' 24 minutes ago Police Land Rovers arrive at Larne Leisure Centre Five police Land Rovers have arrived at the scene of the ongoing incident in Larne. 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"But I don't want the communities of Northern Ireland to feel unsafe, nor do I want them to feel that I am saying that we will definitely see this tonight." Today 11:57 AM Police 'not clear' on whether paramilitary coordination to rioting ACC Ryan Henderson said: "You will see the power of social media connecting different parts of Northern Ireland in terms of the desire to protest, but also the desire to be violent and how that has been done. And we have seen that in a number of sites over the past couple of days. "At this point it's not clear to us or through intelligence or what we're hearing if there's paramilitary coordination to it. But I want to be very clear that if it does come out from our investigations I'll not be slow or shy in attributing blame to those who are involved. " Today 11:53 AM PSNI press conference In a PSNI press conference today Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson praised officers who have dealt with two days of rioting in Ballymena. He said: "32 officers have now been injured over the last two nights of rioting. And I want to say publicly my admiration for the bravery and professionalism of those officers that they showed when dealing with the challenges and the violence they had to face." Today 11:40 AM NI Secretary hoping to visit Ballymena Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn hopes to visit Ballymena in the coming days, according to Lady Anderson. She also said the Cabinet minister was having "active conversations" with both the Stormont administration and the PSNI. Lady Anderson told peers that the region's Chief Constable Jon Boutcher was in the process of submitting a request through the mutual aid scheme to support current police policing operations. 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"My thoughts and prayers are with those officers still receiving treatment, and with the communities across Northern Ireland who woke up this morning very scared." Today 10:41 AM Policing Board members thank PSNI and emergency services for efforts in 'face of vicious attack' Policing Board Members today attended a specially convened briefing to receive an update from the PSNI on the policing response to the violence and disorder in Ballymena and other areas of Northern Ireland. Members were briefed on policing operations and challenges following violence. Policing Board Chair Mukesh Sharma said: "Our thoughts are with the victim of this assault and their family. "Measures now being taken by the police to reassure the victims of the violence, and the wider community affected, were outlined and discussed." He added: "Board Members also heard about the ferocity of the violence directed at police officers and the police command decisions to deploy water cannon and baton rounds were explained. "We thank all the police officers, and emergency service colleagues, for their work in the face of vicious attack, and trust all 32 officers injured will make a full recovery." Ms Sharma said the board condemns acts of "wanton violence against people, police and property". He added: "Such violence and racism has no place in our community. The widespread calls for calm, in tandem with condemnation of the disorder and support for policing from political leaders and others, are welcomed. "Policing needs the continued support through political and community leadership to bring this violence to an end."
The Irish Sun
3 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
American woman, 40s, killed after hit by car in Antrim named as person arrested at scene & being quizzed by cops
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