A British teenager sentenced to 1 yr in a Dubai jail for having a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old woman has been launched after receiving a royal pardon, a marketing campaign group has mentioned.
Marcus Fakana, 18, of Tottenham, north London, obtained the pardon from Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum and is safely within the UK, Detained In Dubai mentioned.
The group’s chief govt Radha Stirling mentioned Mr Fakana “is currently recovering”.
She added: “His case has attracted significant public attention due to concerns about the criminalisation of tourists and disproportionate sentencing.
“We imagine this case highlights the pressing want for expedited authorized processes for overseas nationals and safeguards towards pointless custodial sentences.”
Mr Fakana was with his parents in the United Arab Emirates when a “vacation romance blossomed” with one other Londoner, who has since turned 18, the marketing campaign group beforehand mentioned.
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He was arrested at his lodge final yr after the woman’s mom reported the connection to Dubai police after she allegedly discovered their photos and chats.
In Dubai, the age of consent is eighteen.
