British Teenager Faces Potential 20-Year Prison Sentence in Dubai for Teenage Relationship
An 18-year-old British man, Marcus Fakana from Tottenham, London, is facing up to 20 years in a Dubai prison after being arrested for having a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old British girl during a family holiday in September.
According to Radha Stirling from the human rights campaign group Detained in Dubai, the situation arose after the girl’s mother discovered pictures and chat messages of their relationship and reported it to Dubai police. As a result, Fakana was arrested at his hotel.
Stirling emphasized the uniqueness of the case, highlighting the minimal age difference between the two individuals. Both are now 18 years old, and she argues that the relationship does not involve any abuse or exploitation. She described it as “a case of two older teenagers” who have been caught up in legal complications due to the mother’s report.
The case has sparked significant public concern, with many people finding the potential punishment disproportionate. Stirling noted that the situation has “gone viral” and people are shocked that an action legal in the UK could result in a 20-year prison sentence in Dubai.
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has confirmed they are supporting Fakana and are in contact with his family. Fakana’s parents, who work as a cleaner and in a warehouse, are reportedly extremely distressed and have had to return to London without their son.
Stirling also criticized the UAE’s tourism marketing, arguing that there is insufficient warning about potential legal risks for Western tourists. She questioned the FCDO’s travel advice, which states that consensual sexual relationships between adults over 18 are generally legal, including extra-marital relationships.
The FCDO guidance specifically notes that individuals over 18 having sexual relationships with those under 18 will be prosecuted for engaging with a minor. In this case, the one-year age difference has triggered legal action.
Detained in Dubai, established in 2008, has reached out to Foreign Secretary David Lammy, who is also Fakana’s local Member of Parliament, to seek assistance in the matter.
The case raises significant questions about the potential consequences for young travelers in Dubai and the stark differences between UK and UAE legal standards regarding relationships and age of consent.
Stirling’s primary concern is the potential life-altering impact of such a severe punishment, questioning whether the punishment is proportionate to the circumstances and asking, “Is that worth it?”
The situation continues to develop, with many watching closely to see how diplomatic channels might intervene to support the young man and potentially mitigate the potential legal consequences.
