Marcus Fakana, an 18-year-old British citizen, has reportedly surrendered himself to authorities in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), to face a one-year jail sentence after being convicted of having sex with a 17-year-old girl in the country. According to a charity, Detained in Dubai, Fakana had been staying in temporary accommodation in Dubai since September 2020, following his arrest in connection with the case. He had been on bail prior to surrendering himself to Al Awir prison.
As per reports, Fakana and the girl had started secretly dating while on holiday with their families in September when the girl was still 17 years old, which is under the age of consent in the UAE where sex with anybody under the age of 18 is illegal. The girl’s mother reported the relationship to Dubai police upon returning to the UK when she came across chat and pictures between the pair. Fakana was arrested at his hotel after that.
The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has said it was supporting a British man in the UAE without naming Fakana specifically. Fakana’s parents, who have returned to London to resume their jobs as a warehouse worker and cleaner, have reportedly been pushing the UK government and Foreign Secretary David Lammy for assistance and are said to be hoping for a royal pardon to commute their son’s sentence.
The prosecution of tourists on similar charges is not uncommon in Dubai and other emirates, which is a matter of concern to human rights groups. The case also raises questions about different countries’ legal and regulatory frameworks for the age of consent, an issue that other tourists too have faced in the UAE. The UAE attracts British tourists in winter with its warm sun and offerings but they are expected to respect the customs and laws of the Middle Eastern nation
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