Marcus Fakana, an 18-year-old British citizen, has been convicted in Dubai after engaging in a relationship with a 17-year-old girl, also from the UK, during a holiday in September 2024.
Marcus Fakana, 18, convicted for dating in Dubai
The girl, who has since turned 18, was in the same school year as Fakana.
The relationship, which was consensual under UK law, contravenes Dubai’s strict morality laws.
Fakana now faces a year behind bars in Dubai Central Prison.
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Fakana and his family have expressed frustration with the UK government’s response.
According to Fakana, Foreign Secretary David Lammy and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) have taken minimal action.
“He sent a couple of letters, but we’ve heard nothing back. I appear in court on Monday, and all they have done is send a couple of letters. I feel abandoned,” Fakana said.
Radha Stirling, founder of Detained in Dubai, has been assisting Fakana’s family and pointed out that proactive measures in similar cases by MPs and government officials have yielded positive outcomes in the past.
Stirling commented on the case, suggesting that Fakana’s actions were typical of individuals in his age group and noting that he has already endured significant hardship.
“He does not deserve to be locked up in Dubai Central Prison for a fling,” she stated.
Stirling has also stressed the ongoing emotional toll on Fakana and his family as they await further legal proceedings.
Fakana’s next court date is scheduled for Monday, 16 December 2024, when his legal team and advocacy representatives hope for a resolution.
