The family of an 18-year-old British boy, who was handed a one-year prison sentence in Dubai for engaging in consensual sex with a 17-year-old girl, is expressing their disappointment with the UK government’s lack of intervention, despite their repeated pleas for diplomatic aid.
In August 2023, Marcus Fakana was taken into custody in Dubai for engaging in a sexual encounter with a girl who was just one month away from turning 18.
According to the Independent, the act that was considered legal in the UK has been declared illegal under UAE law. Despite the pleas from Fakana’s family for diplomatic intervention, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy declined to take action, emphasizing the importance of citizens abiding by the rules.
Fakana finds himself stranded in Dubai at the moment, unable to go back home, while his appeal against the one-year prison sentence is ongoing. His family, backed by the advocacy group Detained in Dubai, is deeply frustrated with Lammy’s refusal to provide assistance, alleging that he has abandoned a British citizen in dire need.
“If Marcus Fakana spends a single day in prison, it’s on David Lammy. If Marcus were from any other area in the UK, his MP would have lobbied Lammy to enter diplomatic conversations,” Radha Stirling, chief executive of Detained in Dubai, told the Independent.
On the other hand, the family has successfully managed to raise a substantial amount of funds to cover both their legal fees and everyday expenses. They have been relentless in their efforts to push for diplomatic intervention from the UK government, all the while advocating for their cause.
If Fakana’s appeal is unsuccessful, he will be required to serve his entire sentence in Dubai. However, if his appeal is successful, he may have the opportunity to return home earlier than anticipated.