Marcus Fakana was on holiday in the summer with his family in Dubai when he met a 17-year-old girl. He had just turned 18 at the time and somehow the pair connected. DailyMail reports that soon, their familiarity metamorphosed into romance. It was no secret that the tourist and his new girlfriend were dating—at least to his family.
Marcus Fakana’s Holiday Affair Sparks 20-Year Sentence Threat in Dubai After Mother’s Report
According to Fakana, they had a “wonderful time together.” But there was a clause. While his folks were well aware, the teenager kept it a secret from her family. This was because she allegedly claimed that they were strict.
Despite the hitch, the pair decided to continue their romance once they reached London. The unnamed female flew out of Dubai first, leaving behind her lover and his family. Fakana explained that the Dubai police discovered the hotel where he was with his family and allegedly detained him. The 18-year-old claimed he was behind bars for days in the notorious Al Barsha Police Station.
Sources confirmed that the police got news from his girlfriend’s mom who reported the romance. Since then, Fakana has remained in Dubai, while his family fights for his freedom. Detained in Dubai, a human rights advocate group caught wind of the case. Radha Stirling heads this group and maintains that the mom might not be aware of the consequences.
Stirling explained that Fakana’s action was a crime in Dubai and he may spend about 20 years behind bars. Meanwhile, so far, the Fakanas have spent more than £2,000 as they hope to see their son again. The 18-year-old’s bail was set at 10,000 AED. Although this isn’t the usual amount, the authorities are still demanding it. Fakana’s only hope is the British government’s intervention. Stirling reaffirms that the police can willingly drop the case.
Dubai recently changed its law on sex outside the confines of marital bliss for tourists. However, this restriction on age consent doesn’t apply to its citizens. The city upholds strict Islamic laws but does not regard the age of consent.
#Clique, what are your thoughts?
