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Marcus Fakana: British teenager sentenced for ‘holiday romance’ in Dubai with 17-year-old girl who turns herself in to authorities | UK News

Marcus Fakana: British teenager sentenced for ‘holiday romance’ in Dubai with 17-year-old girl who turns herself in to authorities | UK News

A British teenager sentenced to a year in prison in Dubai after a “holiday affair” with a 17-year-old girl has surrendered to authorities to begin his sentence, according to an advocacy group.

Marcus Fakana, 18, was with his family in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) when he met the girl, who is also from London and now he is 18 years old.

He was arrested and charged after the girl’s mother found his chats and photographs and called the Dubai police.

Campaign group Detained In Dubai previously said Fakana planned to appeal the sentence and urged UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, who is the family’s Tottenham MP, to intervene.

However, when asked about the case, the chancellor said people should “follow the rules” of other countries. He also said Fakana had “all the support available” from UK officials.

Head of Detainees in Dubai, Rahda Stirling, said Fakana had surrendered to authorities and intended to serve his one-year sentence in Dubai’s Al Awir prison.

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Lammy on a British teenager in Dubai

He said he was still waiting for forgiveness from Dubai ruler Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum and help from Lammy and the British embassy.

She said: “I am concerned about the impact of Dubai Prison on the life of an 18-year-old. It was not easy to find the words to tell him as he handed over his freedom.”

Al Awir Prison in Dubai
Image:
He will serve his sentence in Al Awir prison, according to the activist group Detained in Dubai

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Ms Stirling also shared a message from Fakana, who said: “Thank you to everyone who has supported me during my fight.

“It has been a long struggle, but nothing is difficult with my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ guiding me.

“I am grateful for all the people who have helped me with donations and for my faith family for supporting me.”

Fakana previously said the couple kept their romance a secret from the girl’s family “because they were strict” and hoped to continue seeing each other in the UK.

However, he said police showed up at his family’s hotel and detained him without explanation.

Dubai is well known for its strict drug, alcohol and sex laws. The age of consent is 18 and is strictly enforced.

In an earlier statement, prosecutors said: “Under UAE law, the girl is legally classified as a minor and, in accordance with internationally recognized procedures, her mother, who is the legal guardian, filed the complaint .

“Dubai’s legal system is committed to protecting the rights of all individuals and ensuring fair judicial procedures.”