Latest news with #DetainedInDubai
The Independent
4 hours ago
- The Independent
British teenager Marcus Fakana jailed in Dubai over sex with girl, 17, pleads for clemency
A British teenager who is in prison in Dubai for having sex with a 17-year-old girl has written to authorities asking for clemency. Markus Fakana, now 19, was on a holiday in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) when he struck up a holiday romance with the British girl who was staying at the same hotel. The girl's mother reported Fakana, who was 18 at the time, to local authorities after discovering messages between the teenagers, and Fakana was arrested. The age of consent in the UAE is 18, and in December, he was sentenced to a year in prison over the encounter. The BBC reports that Fakana has written to the UAE's vice president and prime minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum from Al-Awir prison, asking to be released. Radha Stirling, founder of Detained in Dubai, told the BBC it had been 'the most traumatic and life-altering experience imaginable for Marcus,' adding he had never intended to break the law. "Marcus is struggling, and this experience will leave a permanent scar," Ms Stirling said. "We implore Sheikh Mohammed and the government of Dubai to hear his pleas and let him come home." Ms Stirling told the BBC that parents needed to be aware that behaviour that would not be considered criminal in the UK could lead to criminal charges in the UAE, including drinking alcohol or certain social media activity. The UAE has only recently made sex outside of marriage legal for tourists, but under UAE law the 17-year-old girl was a minor and her mother, her legal guardian, filed the complaint against Fakana. '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,' Ms Stirling said, adding that it was a 'heartbreaking way to begin adulthood'. "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," she continued. Fakana's parents have appealed to the British Embassy in Dubai, Foreign Secretary David Lammy, and the Foreign Office for help advocating for his release. A Foreign Office spokesperson said: 'We are supporting a British man in the UAE and are in contact with his family.' Consular officials are understood to be in regular contact with Fakana, his family and his legal team. Mr Lammy said: 'It would not be appropriate for me to comment on any individual case, except to say that, of course, as you would expect his family have had all the full support available.' At the time of his sentencing, a UAE government spokesperson said: 'Dubai's legal system is committed to protecting the rights of all individuals and ensuring impartial judicial proceedings.'
BBC News
10 hours ago
- BBC News
Marcus Fakana: Teenager jailed in Dubai pleads for early release
A British teenager jailed in Dubai for having sex with a 17-year-old girl has pleaded with the authorities for Fakana, 19, of Tottenham, north London, was sentenced in December to a year's imprisonment after a consensual relationship with the girl, who is also British, while on holiday in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The age of consent in the UAE is girl's mother reported Fakana - who was aged 18 at the time - to the UAE authorities after seeing messages between the two when she had returned to the has written to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai, from Al Awir Prison asking to be released. 'Heart-breaking start to adulthood' Radha Stirling, founder of Detained in Dubai said: "This has been the most traumatic and life-altering experience imaginable for Marcus."He is barely an adult himself, and never intended to break any law. 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."Detained in Dubai said Fakana was only able to call his family sporadically for short periods, adding that the isolation had been mentally and emotionally devastating for both him and his loved ones. His parents have been urgently appealing to Foreign Secretary David Lammy, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and the British Embassy in Dubai for assistance in advocating for his release."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," Ms Stirling added."He's very young and this is a heart-breaking way to begin adulthood." "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," Ms Stirling in Dubai warned that the case highlighted the need for increased awareness and diplomatic protections for citizens abroad."Marcus is struggling, and this experience will leave a permanent scar," Ms Stirling said. "We implore Sheikh Mohammed and the government of Dubai to hear his pleas and let him come home."The government of Dubai previously 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."It added: "Dubai's legal system is committed to protecting the rights of all individuals and ensuring impartial judicial proceedings."The FCDO has been approached for comment.
Daily Mail
11 hours ago
- Politics
- Daily Mail
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.
