A 19-year-old British teenager, Marcus Fakana, has been pardoned and released from prison in Dubai after serving seven months over a consensual relationship with a fellow UK tourist
His freedom comes following a royal pardon granted by Dubai’s ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Marcus, from Tottenham in north London, returned to the UK on Thursday, July 3, after enduring months behind bars in the United Arab Emirates.
He was arrested in 2024 after engaging in a consensual sexual relationship with a British girl he met while vacationing in Dubai. Although she was just one month away from turning 18, the UAE’s laws criminalize any sexual activity involving individuals under 18, regardless of consent. The two teenagers met while their families were staying at the same luxury hotel.
The situation escalated after the girl’s mother, upon returning to the UK, discovered messages between them and reported Marcus to the UAE authorities.
His arrest sparked widespread outrage and renewed scrutiny of the UAE’s strict laws concerning personal relationships—laws critics say disproportionately impact foreign nationals.
Radha Stirling, CEO of the campaign group Detained in Dubai, confirmed that Marcus’s release came weeks after the group submitted an application for a royal pardon.
“Marcus should never have been put through this,” Stirling told MailOnline. “He went on what was meant to be a short family holiday and ended up spending nearly a year in prison. We are thrilled that, after an intensive campaign, he has been officially pardoned and is now home with his loved ones.”
His release was the result of a sustained effort involving legal appeals, diplomatic lobbying, public advocacy, and the formal pardon request. His family expressed deep gratitude for the support they received during the ordeal.
“Marcus is back where he belongs,” Stirling added. “But no one should have to endure what he went through.”
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