A British, Marcus Fakana, aged 18 from London is potentially facing a possible jail term in the United Arab Emirates after engaging in sexual intercourse with a 17-year-old girl.
Marcus Fakana, a resident of Tottenham, was on a family vacation in Dubai when he met the British female, who is also from London and has now attained the age of 18.
He articulated to the group of Detained in Dubai:
“We had a mutual liking for each other, but she was discreet with her family due to their strictness.
“My parents were aware of our relationship, but she was unable to disclose it to them.
She was required to meet me without informing them that it was for a boy.”
The couple had anticipated continuing their relationship in London after the girl returned home from her vacation.
Fakana reported that he was detained without any explanation after police arrived at his family’s hotel.
He was detained for three days, as reported by Sky News, and was unable to communicate with his parents.
Fakana, who is based in Dubai and campaigns for the UAE to help those who have experienced injustice, was charged due to the discovery of their conversations and images in the UK by the mother of the girl.
It is further reported that the woman subsequently contacted the Dubai police and Fakana was subsequently detained.
Campaigners assert that the individual could potentially face up to two decades in prison due to the country’s stringent regulations pertaining to sexual encounters outside of marriage.
“Dubai has only recently legalised out-of-wedlock sex for tourists but still hosts a strict Islamic legal system,” said Radha Stirling, the chief executive of Detained in Dubai.
The practice of sexual intercourse outside of marriage is permitted for tourists, but it must be accompanied by the consent of both parties, who must be of legal age.
“The girl was just a few months younger than Marcus and he didn’t know that at the time,” said Stirling. “Since his arrest, she has turned 18.
“This is not something Dubai should be prosecuting.”
In the United Kingdom, their relationship is not considered illegal. Fakana’s family has respectfully requested the intervention of David Lammy, their local MP, regarding his situation.
Fakana is no longer being detained in a police facility, but is unable to leave the country due to the mounting costs of Airbnb accommodation, which could exceed £2,000, pending resolution of his case.
He said in Detained in Dubai: “My family had saved up for this unique vacation and have now utilized all of their savings.”
“Consensual sexual relationships between a male and female outside marriage are generally legal as long as both are over the age of 18 years.
JOIN THE CONVERSATION→ Telegram | X/Twitter | Facebook | WhatsApp|WhatsApp Channel|Mobile App|Instagram
This includes extra-marital sexual relationships.
However, if either person’s spouse or parent/guardian files a criminal complaint, then both parties of an extra-marital consensual relationship can get a prison sentence of 6 months or longer
