British Teen Begins Prison Sentence in UAE

Marcus Fakana, an 18-year-old British teenager, has surrendered to Dubai authorities to serve a one-year prison sentence for having consensual sex with a 17-year-old girl during a family holiday. His arrest occurred in September after the girl's mother reported their relationship to the police, and despite the girl turning 18 shortly after, he was convicted under UAE laws governing sexual relations. Fakana expressed gratitude to supporters in a statement before entering the notorious Al Awir prison, known for its harsh conditions. The campaign group Detained in Dubai criticized the legal proceedings, asserting that the police had discretion to charge him with a lesser offense. They described the sentencing as an embarrassment for Britain and are urging the UK government to intervene in his case. Following his arrest, Marcus faced significant emotional distress and expressed a desire for a pardon from Dubai's ruler.