Marcus Fakana, an 18-year-old from Tottenham, North London, is facing a potential 20-year prison sentence in Dubai after being accused of having a romantic relationship with a 17-year-old girl while on vacation. The arrest has drawn attention to the strict legal and cultural norms in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where the age of consent is 18.
Marcus was on vacation in Dubai with his family in August when he met the girl, a fellow Brit staying at the same hotel. The two developed a holiday romance, which remained a secret from the girl’s family due to their strict household rules.
The girl returned to the UK, but Marcus and his family extended their stay in Dubai. However, their trip took a dramatic turn when police arrived unannounced at their hotel, detaining Marcus without explanation. He was held at Al Barsha Police Station for three days, during which he was not allowed to contact his parents or make a phone call.
Authorities informed Marcus that his arrest was triggered by a report from the girl’s mother, who had discovered messages between the two on her daughter’s phone. The mother, reportedly unaware of their relationship at the time, had alerted Dubai authorities.
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“I never thought something like this could happen,” Marcus said. “We liked each other and had a great time together. My parents knew, but she had to hide it from hers.”
The campaign group Detained in Dubai (DID), which supports individuals facing legal issues in the UAE, has been advocating for Marcus’s release. The group highlighted the severity of his situation, emphasizing the risk of a lengthy prison sentence in a country with strict laws on personal relationships.
Marcus’s case has reignited conversations about the cultural and legal differences between Western countries and the UAE. Advocacy groups are urging greater diplomatic intervention to ensure Marcus’s safe return home and to prevent similar incidents in the future.
As Marcus remains in legal limbo, his family and supporters are calling on the UK government to act swiftly, hoping for a resolution that brings him home safely.
