An 18-year-old teen, Marcus Fakana, has been sentenced to one year in a Dubai prison for engaging in sexual relations with a British-Indian girl who was 17 at the time, which is below the legal age of consent in Dubai.
The encounter, which would have been legal in the UK, could have resulted in a much harsher penalty of up to 20 years in prison.
He appeared in court on Monday, and the sentence was handed down today.
Ahead of the trial, human rights group Detained in Dubai shared updates, expressing concerns over the Foreign Secretary’s lack of action, as Marcus had only received a few letters from David Lammy.
Marcus stated, “I appear in court on Monday and all they have done is send a couple of letters.””I am not aware of any diplomatic communications or meetings with UAE counterparts. I feel abandoned, and that I might lose my life over this before it’s even really begun.”
However, his family has made a heartfelt appeal to Dubai ruler, HH Sheikh Mohammed Al Maktoum, to show leniency towards Marcus for engaging in consensual sex with another British citizen.
The Dubai Public Prosecution previously stated that the complaint was filed by the mother of the girl involved, acting as her legal guardian.
Reportedly, the mother was back in the UK when she made the allegation.
A representative for the prosecution explained, “Under UAE law, the girl is legally classified as a minor, and according to internationally recognized procedures, her mother—being the legal guardian—filed the complaint.
“Dubai’s legal system is committed to protecting the rights of all individuals and ensuring impartial judicial proceedings.”
A spokesperson for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) confirmed that the department is actively supporting Marcus and maintaining contact with his family.
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