An 18-year-old man from London could possibly be jailed within the United Arab Emirates after having intercourse with a 17-year-old woman.
Marcus Fakana, from Tottenham, was on a household vacation in Dubai when he met the British woman, who can be from London and has since turned 18.
He informed the Detained in Dubai group: “We actually appreciated one another however she was secretive along with her household as a result of they had been strict.
“My dad and mom knew about our relationship however she couldn’t inform hers. She needed to meet me with out telling them it was to see a boy.”
The pair had hoped to proceed their relationship again in London after the woman returned house from her vacation. However Fakana stated he was taken into custody with none clarification after police turned up at his household’s resort.
He was detained for 3 days, Sky Information reported, and was unable to contact his dad and mom.
Detained in Dubai, which campaigns to assist individuals it says have suffered injustice within the UAE, stated Fakana was charged as a result of the woman’s mom discovered their chats and footage again within the UK.
It’s understood the girl subsequently contacted police in Dubai and Fakana was arrested.
Campaigners say {the teenager} may withstand twenty years in jail owing to the nation’s strict legal guidelines relating to intercourse outdoors marriage.
“Dubai has solely just lately legalised out-of-wedlock intercourse for vacationers however nonetheless hosts a strict Islamic authorized system,” stated Radha Stirling, the chief govt of Detained in Dubai. Intercourse outdoors marriage is authorized for vacationers, however provided that each events are over 18.
“The woman was just some months youthful than Marcus and he didn’t know that on the time,” stated Stirling. “Since his arrest, she has turned 18.
“This isn’t one thing Dubai needs to be prosecuting.”
Within the UK, their relationship wouldn’t be unlawful. Fakana’s household has known as on the international secretary, David Lammy – their native MP – to intervene.
Fakana is now not being held in a police cell however is unable to depart the nation, together with his household going through payments of £2,000 for Airbnb lodging till his case is resolved.
He informed Detained in Dubai: “[My family] saved up for this one-off vacation and have now used all of their financial savings.”
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