Nationwide — Marcus Fakana, an 18-year-old Black teen from Tottenham, North London, is dealing with a possible 20-year jail sentence in Dubai after being accused of getting a relationship with a 17-year-old woman whereas on trip. Marcus was arrested in August after the woman’s mom reportedly found their relationship and alerted authorities. Marketing campaign group Detained in Dubai (DID) has been advocating for Marcus, highlighting his precarious state of affairs within the United Arab Emirates, the place the age of consent is eighteen.
In accordance with My London Information, the incident started whereas Marcus was on trip together with his dad and mom in Dubai. Throughout their keep, he met a fellow Brit on the similar lodge, and a vacation romance rapidly developed. The woman, additionally from London, returned to Britain, however Marcus and his household deliberate to observe shortly after. Nonetheless, their journey took a stunning flip when police arrived at their lodge room, taking Marcus in for questioning with out clarification.
In accordance with DID, Marcus was detained at Al Barsha Police Station for 3 days with out being allowed to contact his dad and mom or make a cellphone name. He later realized that the woman’s mom, unaware of their relationship on the time, had reported him to authorities after discovering messages on her daughter’s cellphone. Marcus described his expertise as terrifying and defined that his girlfriend had stored their relationship secret resulting from her strict household.
“I by no means thought one thing like this might occur,” Marcus mentioned. “We favored one another and had a good time collectively. My dad and mom knew, however she needed to conceal it from hers.
