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Topics: UK News, World News, Travel
Brenna Cooper
Topics: UK News, World News, Travel
The family of a British teenager facing a 20-year prison sentence in Dubai have spoken out about the 'nightmare' situation they face.
18-year-old Marcus Fakana, from Tottenham, London had accompanied his family on a trip to the UAE for his father's birthday earlier this year.
While on holiday, the teenager met and formed a connection with an unnamed girl who had also travelled to the country from the UK. The two teenagers, who were staying in the same hotel, are said to have struck up a 'blossoming' relationship with hopes of continuing their romance upon returning home.
Not long after the girl returned home, Marcus' nightmare ordeal with the police in Dubai would begin.
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According to the group Detained in Dubai, who are currently representing Marcus, the girl had hidden the relationship from her 'strict' family, however, her mother discovered the relationship upon returning home to the UK and reported it to authorities in the Gulf state.
"Suddenly, police knocked on our hotel door. They said they were taking me in for questioning but wouldn't tell me why," Marcus told the group.
"I couldn’t imagine what for. I was frightened and my parents were terrified."
Unbeknownst to Marcus at the time, the girl was 17 - she has since turned 18 - when they engaged in sexual intercourse, which means she is considered a minor under UAE law. In the UK, the pair's relationship would be legal.
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“Dubai has only recently legalised out of wedlock sex for tourists but still hosts a strict Islamic legal system," Radha Stirling, CEO of Detained in Dubai, added.
"The girl was just a few months younger than Marcus and he didn’t know that at the time. Since his arrest, she has turned 18 and Marcus would not be facing 20 years in jail. This is not something Dubai should be prosecuting."
Marcus' family have since set up a GoFundMe page aiming to raise funds to cover the teenager's ongoing legal costs.
"What was meant to be a happy time has turned into a nightmare for him, our family, and our friends," the family explained on the page.
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"This has happened as a result of someone trying to misuse UAE law against him. He is being charged with a crime that could lead to imprisonment for up to 20 years."
The family went on to add that Marcus is 'very scared' and that his mental health is 'starting to decline' due to the situation.
A spokesperson for the government of Dubai has told the BBC: "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."
Marcus is currently scheduled to face trial on 9 December.