British Teenager Jailed in Dubai for Consensual Relationship Begs for Pardon
A British teenager, Marcus Fakana, who was sentenced to one year in prison in Dubai for a consensual relationship with a fellow UK tourist, has formally submitted a plea for clemency to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai. According to a report by the Daily Mail, Marcus, who was 18 when the relationship began, is currently being held in Al Awir Prison, where he has spent several months in isolating and harsh conditions.
The Daily Mail reports that Marcus’s family and the family of the 17-year-old girl he was in a relationship with were on holiday in Dubai at the time. The relationship was consensual and, according to Radha Stirling, founder of Detained in Dubai, "what happened was legal in the UK and consensual." However, under UAE law, Marcus was charged and sentenced to a year in prison.
Marcus’s family, with the support of Detained in Dubai, is urging the British public and authorities to back their plea for clemency. Radha Stirling told the Daily Mail that "this has been the most traumatic and life-altering experience imaginable for Marcus." She added that "he is barely an adult himself and never intended to break any law."
The Daily Mail reports that prison conditions are taking a toll on Marcus, who has limited contact with his family. His parents have made repeated appeals to David Lammy MP and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, as well as requesting the British Embassy in Dubai to help secure his release.
Radha Stirling warned that "parents need to be aware that teens can be charged in the UAE for behaviour that would not be considered criminal at home." She added that "whether that’s a relationship, social media activity, or even drinking alcohol, Marcus is struggling, and this experience will leave a permanent scar."
The Daily Mail also reports that protests have been held in Westminster, demanding Marcus’s release. As the article states, "Marcus continues to pray that his voice will be heard, with pardons expected to be finalised this month."
In a final attempt to secure Marcus’s release, his family and Detained in Dubai are calling on Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to consider their plea for clemency. As Radha Stirling told the Daily Mail, "we implore Sheikh Mohammed and the government of Dubai to hear his pleas and let him come home."
