British teenager, Marcus Fakana, is facing the possibility of 20 years in prison in Dubai following a relationship with a girl he met while on holiday. The case has sparked international concern, with his family calling for justice and highlighting the harsh legal landscape in the UAE.
A Holiday Turned Nightmare
Marcus, 18, traveled to Dubai with his parents in August, where he met a fellow Londoner, a 17-year-old girl, and the two began a relationship. By the time the girl returned home, her mother discovered the relationship through her phone and contacted authorities in Dubai.
Although the age difference was minimal and the relationship would have been legal in the UK, UAE laws differ significantly. Dubai recently revised its laws to allow unmarried tourists over 18 to engage in consensual relationships, but the girl was legally classified as a minor at the time.
Police arrested Marcus at his hotel, detaining him at Al Barsha Police Station for three days without contact with his family. His trial is set to begin on December 9, with the potential for a lengthy sentence if convicted.
Marcus’s family has been vocal about their ordeal, describing it as a “nightmare.” They’ve returned to the UK, working to cover his accommodation costs in Dubai while he awaits trial. On a GoFundMe page to help with legal expenses, they emphasized the emotional toll on their son and the injustice they feel he is facing.
Radha Stirling, CEO of Detained in Dubai, stressed that Marcus was unaware the girl was slightly younger than him. Meanwhile, Dubai’s prosecution office has defended the trial, stating it aligns with international procedures.
As Marcus’s trial looms, his case has drawn attention to the stark contrast between legal systems, leaving his family and supporters calling for leniency and a fair resolution.
