A British teenager who was imprisoned in Dubai for having a consensual relationship with a 17-year-old girl has been released and returned to the UK, it emerged today.
Marcus Fakana, 19, from Tottenham, North London, was handed a one-year jail sentence last December after being found guilty of engaging in sexual activity with the underage girl — a crime under UAE law, where the age of consent is 18.
However, in a surprising turn of events, Fakana was granted an Eid pardon by Dubai’s ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and was released last week. The campaign group Detained in Dubai confirmed his safe return to the UK.
A Controversial Case Sparks Debate
Fakana was in Dubai on holiday with his parents from August last year when they reportedly struck up a “holiday romance” with a girl who is now 18. The girl’s mother later reported Fakana to authorities after discovering messages between the two upon her return to the UK.
Fakana recently wrote to Sheikh Mohammed from Al Awir Prison, pleading for his release. The teenager’s case has attracted widespread attention and criticism, raising questions about the UAE’s strict laws on relationships and the criminalisation of tourists.
Radha Stirling, CEO of Detained in Dubai, said: “His case has attracted significant public concern due to the disproportionate sentencing and the criminalisation of tourists for consensual acts that would not be considered criminal back home. This highlights an urgent need for reform and safeguards for foreign visitors.”
A Holiday in Hot Water
Legal experts warn that in the UAE, even social media activity or drinking alcohol can land tourists in serious trouble — a stark contrast to UK laws. The government of Dubai maintained that the girl was legally a minor, and her mother filed the complaint as her guardian.
The FCDO confirmed Fakana was released on an Eid pardon, a traditional gesture of mercy during Muslim holidays, aimed at giving second chances. “He wanted to return home quietly to be with his family,” a spokesperson said.
A Warning to Tourists
This case underscores the risks for young tourists in the UAE. Parents are urged to educate their children about local laws, which can criminalise behaviour that is perfectly legal at home.
For more updates on this story, stay tuned.
