An 18-year-old Londoner, Marcus Fakana, is facing possible jail time in Dubai after being accused of having a relationship with a 17-year-old British girl.
The case has drawn attention, with calls for the UK Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, to intervene.
Marcus was on holiday with his family in Dubai when he met the girl, also from London. According to Marcus, the two quickly developed a close relationship.
“We really liked each other but she was secretive with her family because they were strict,” Marcus said. He explained that while his parents were aware of their relationship, the girl kept it a secret from her family.
After the holiday, the girl returned to the UK, and the two planned to continue their relationship.
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Trouble began for Marcus when Dubai police arrested him at his family’s hotel without explanation. He was detained for three days and reportedly denied contact with his parents.
The arrest happened after the girl’s mother, back in the UK, found private messages and photos between the two and reported the matter to Dubai authorities.
Dubai’s laws on relationships outside marriage are very strict, despite recent changes allowing unmarried tourists to stay together. The legal age of consent is 18, and Marcus claims he was unaware the girl was underage at the time.
Radha Stirling, CEO of Detained in Dubai, stated, “The girl was just a few months younger than Marcus and he didn’t know that at the time. Since his arrest, she has turned 18 and Marcus would not be facing 20 years in jail. This is not something Dubai should be prosecuting.”
If convicted, Marcus could face up to 20 years in jail under UAE law.
Marcus is no longer in custody but cannot leave Dubai. His family, who earns modest incomes, is now paying £2,000 monthly for accommodation as they await the outcome of the case.
“They earn a humble living, my mother is a cleaner and my dad works in a warehouse,” he told Detained in Dubai.
“They saved up for this one-off holiday and they have now used all of their savings,” Marcus said.
Marcus and his family are urging Foreign Secretary David Lammy to assist in resolving the case. A UK Foreign Office spokesperson confirmed they are providing support and are in contact with his family.
