A British teenager, Marcus Fakana, has begun serving a one-year prison sentence in Dubai after being convicted for having a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old girl. Fakana, who was 18 at the time, met the girl during a family holiday in the UAE. She turned 18 the following month, but under UAE law, the age of consent is strictly 18.

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The relationship came to light when the girl's mother discovered messages and photos upon their return to London. She reported the matter to Dubai police, leading to Fakana's arrest at his hotel. Fakana voluntarily handed himself over to authorities in Dubai's al-Awir prison to serve the sentence, while expressing hope for a pardon from Dubai's ruler.

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The incident came to light after the girl's mother discovered their messages and photos following the family's return to London and reported the matter to Dubai police. Under UAE law, the age of consent is 18, and any relationship with a minor is prosecutable.

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Radha Stirling, the head of Detained in Dubai, expressed concerns over Fakana's wellbeing, stating, "I worry about the impact of Dubai prison on an 18-year-old's life." She also described the sentence as an "utter disgrace" and criticized the UK government for not doing more to intervene.

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Stirling shared a message from Fakana, who expressed gratitude for the support he received, saying, "It's been a long fight, but nothing is hard with my Lord and saviour Jesus Christ guiding me."

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Fakana and the girl reportedly kept their relationship a secret due to her family's strictness, with plans to continue their relationship in the UK.

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Dubai authorities maintain that the case was handled in accordance with local laws, emphasizing their commitment to protecting individual rights and ensuring fair judicial proceedings.

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