Recapping the “holiday romance blossomed”
18 year old Marcus Fakana, went on holiday with his family to the UAE. This was to celebrate his dad’s birthday. What was meant to be a joyous trip of laughter and celebration, turned into a nightmare.
During his trip he sparked a romance with a 17 year old girl. This all occurred in late august. She too was also from London. Since the holiday, she has turned 18. Throughout his stay, they would regularly meet up and engage in intimacy. Whilst his family knew of the relationship, she kept it a secret from hers because her parents were “too strict.”
Eventually her mother found out about the holiday romance, and it’s safe to say she was not too happy to hear what her daughter was getting up to. After returning back home to the UK, she found pictures and text messages between the two. She then reported this to the Dubai police, subsequently resulting in Mr Fakana’s arrest at his hotel.
The Aftermath of his Arrest
Mr Fakana was held at the “notorious” Al Barsha Police station for a total of 3 days. During this time, he was unable to contact his parents. He claims that he was “frightened” when the police came to arrest him and is “wishing for this nightmare to be over.”
When recalling his relationship with the girl, here’s what he told the Detained in Dubai group:
“We really liked each other but she was secretive with her family because they were strict.”
“My parents knew about our relationship but she couldn’t tell hers. She had to tell me without telling them it was to see a boy.”
The pair had hoped to resume their relationship once they were both returned back home to London. As of now he is stuck in Dubai, waiting and hoping the matter will be sorted soon.
“I’m living in an Airbnb that is costing my family £2,000 per month. They had to go home to work.
“They earn a humble living, my mother is a cleaner and my dad works in a warehouse.”
“They saved up for this one off holiday and they have now used all of their savings.”
“I’m here all alone. I pray this nightmare will be over and I’ll be home for Christmas.”
The public’s response:
The matter has drawn an immense amount of public response, majority of whom are outrageous. The public have deemed the matter “totally unfair,” and are coming together to petition his case.
“That Marcus Fakana situation just pissed me off, because that mother knew exactly what she was doing. Your daughter and that young man engaged in consensual sex, and you purposefully ruined that young man’s life for what?” One user on X wrote.
“This guy has been remanded since August?! If that was me I would have leaked the girl’s name by now. Not going to have me suffering alone. People will be protesting outside your family home. The mum must feel the consequences of her actions.” Another stated.
“British 18-year-old boy arrested in Dubai for consenting sex with a UK 17-year-old girl. Marcus Fakana could face two decades in jail for having sex with a girl, also from London, while on holiday in UAE. Outrageous medieval Islamic laws! Set Markus free!” Another wrote.
His cousin has since set up a go fund me, to bring Marcus home. As of now they have raised a whopping £8,380! https://www.gofundme.com/f/nv5kyy-help-bring-marcus-home?utm_campaign=fp_sharesheet&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link
Detained in Dubai are dedicated to help get Mr Fakana home
We are all aware of Duba strict law regarding sex outside of marriage. But recently legalized out-of-wedlock sex for tourists. However they still hold a strict Islamic legal system, with the age of consent being 18 strictly enforced.
Rahida sterling, the Chief executive of Detained in Dubai commented on this:
“Sex outside marriage is legal for tourists, but only if both parties are over 18.”
“The girl was just a few months younger than Marcus and he didn’t know that at the time. Since he has been arrested, the girl has turned 18.”
“This is not something Dubai should be prosecuting.” In the UK, their relationship would not be illegal.”
“Fakana’s family has called on the foreign secretary, David Lammy – their local MP- to intervene.”
Conclusion
The Marcus Fakana case has caused an intense public outrage, and widespread debate on Dubai law regarding the age of consent and out-of-wedlock relationships.
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