A British teenager sentenced to one year in prison in Dubai after a “holiday romance” with a 17-year-old girl has surrendered himself to authorities to begin his sentence, according to a campaign group.
Marcus Fakana, 18, was with his family in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) when he met the girl, who is also from London and is now 18.
He was arrested and charged after the girl’s mother found their chats and pictures and called the Dubai police.
Campaign group Detained In Dubai previously said Fakana planned to appeal the sentence and urged UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, who is the family’s MP in Tottenham, to intervene.
However, when asked about the case, the foreign secretary said people should “follow the rules” of other countries. He also said Fakana had “all the support available” from UK officials.
The head of Detained In Dubai, Rahda Stirling, said Fakana had now handed himself in to authorities and intended to serve his year-long sentence in Dubai’s al Awir prison.
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She said he still hoped for a pardon from Dubai’s ruler, Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, and help from Mr Lammy and the British embassy.
She said: “I worry about the impact of Dubai prison on an 18-year-old’s life. It wasn’t easy to find the words to say to him as he surrendered his freedom.”
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Ms Stirling also shared a message from Fakana, who said: “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.
“I’m grateful for all the people who have helped by donating to me and my family of faith for supporting me.”
Fakana previously said the pair kept their romance secret from the girl’s family “because they were strict” and had hoped to continue seeing each other back in the UK.
However, he said police turned up at his family’s hotel and took him into custody without explanation.
Dubai is well known for its strict laws on drugs, alcohol and sex. The age of consent is 18 and strictly enforced.
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In a previous statement, prosecutors said: “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.”
