British teen 'surrenders' to Dubai authorities to begin one-year sentence after 'holiday romance’ with girl, 17, in UAE
30 December 2024, 08:45 | Updated: 30 December 2024, 14:07
A British teenager who was sentenced to one year in a Dubai jail following a holiday romance with a 17-year-old girl from London has handed himself in to UAE authorities.
Listen to this article
Loading audio...
Marcus Fakana, from North London, was sentenced to a one-year prison term following a short relationship with the teenage girl, who is now also 18.
The Tottenham-born teenager has now handed himself in to Dubai authorities to begin his sentence at the notorious Al Awir prison - a maximum security jail.
The incident, which took place during a family holiday in September, saw Mr Fakana subsequently arrested in Dubai after the girl and her family had returned to the UK.
The teen had previously pleaded with the emirate's ruler to "let me go home" after his sentence was handed down, admitting his family were "devastated and in shock."
In a message posted before entering prison, the student wrote: "Thank you to everyone who has supported me throughout my fight."
"It's been a long fight but nothing is hard with my Lord and saviour Jesus Christ guiding me," he continued.
"I'm grateful for all the people who helped by donating to me and my family of faith for supporting me."
Detained In Dubai, a campaign group representing those like Fakana who are held in the UAE, said the teen felt "abandoned by the British government" following the judgement.
The teenager was expected to appeal the verdict, but instead chose to hand himself in to authorities to avoid extending his ordeal.
An appeal in the UAE could have seen the teenager handed an even longer jail sentence following a lengthy appeals process.
Read more: Former US President Jimmy Carter dies aged 100
Read more: Five Palestine Action activists arrested over Elbit Systems factory protest on Christmas Day
Branding the verdict "an utter disgrace" and "an embarrassment to Britain".
The group had previously relayed a message from the teen early in December following the sentencing, with Mr Fakana adding he "never intended to break the law. It didn't occur to me at the time and for that, I'm sorry."
"I am asking His Highness, Sheikh Mohammed Al Maktoum to please forgive me and pardon me. "
"Let me go home. Please give me my life back."
Mr Fakana feels abandoned by the British government, according to the campaign group Detained in Dubai. The family appealed for help from Foreign Secretary David Lammy - who is also their MP - after Mr Fakana was arrested.
The problem began in August when Mr Fakana, 18, struck up a holiday romance with the woman while on holiday in Dubai with his parents.
The Tottenham-born teenager was allegedly reported to Dubai’s authorities by the girl’s mother after their fling was discovered.
The girl, also from London, was reportedly back in the UK when her mother made the allegation.
Mr Fakana was arrested by local police and has been in custody since September.
Dubai recently legalised sex outside of marriage - but both parties must be over 18.
In a statement posted on social media, Ms Stirling said: "The UK was once the most diplomatically influential Western country in the Middle East.
"Now, we are seeing countries like Canada, Malaysia, Ireland and the US leaving the UK way behind.
"The Labour government should be ashamed they have not secured the freedom of a teenage tourist. It wasn't a difficult job."
Ms Stirling said Mr Fakana, who has been held in Dubai since September, will appeal against his sentence and was "desperately hoping to come home this week".
According to the human rights group, the holiday became “a months-long ordeal that could lead to 20 years in prison.”
Mr Fakana said: “We had a wonderful time together. We really liked each other but she was secretive with her family because they were strict.
"My parents knew about our relationship but she couldn’t tell hers. She had to meet me without telling them it was to see a boy."
Earlier, Mr Fakana’s parent issued a statement pleading for help from both the public and Dubai’s ruler, HH Sheikh Mohammed Al Maktoum.
His parents said: “We've sought assistance from Foreign secretary David Lammy to ensure his right to upheld and we ask Sheikh Mohammed Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai, to please let our boy come home.
“This ordeal has caused us terrible emotional and financial strain and every day is an emotional battle."
A fundraiser for Mr Fakana has raised over £34,000.
Dubai Public Prosecution said earlier: "Under UAE law, the girl is legally classified as a minor, and in accordance with procedures recognised internationally, 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."
Ms Stirling added: "I urge young people and parents to reconsider holidays in Dubai where so many people find themselves at risk of unfair and lengthy detention in prisons notorious for human rights abuses and torture.
"Holidaymakers should book elsewhere until Marcus is free."
A Foreign Office spokesperson said: “We are supporting a British man in the UAE and are in contact with his family.”
