Demonstrators in London rally for the release of a teenager imprisoned in Dubai for a controversial case involving a British girl
London: Protesters took to the streets, calling for the release of a teenager locked up in Dubai. Marcus Fakana, from Tottenham, was sentenced for having sex with a British girl while they were on holiday.
He was jailed after being convicted of the act, which happened when the girl was 17. The age of consent in the UAE is 18, and her mother reported him to the authorities.
On Saturday, campaigners marched through Westminster, holding a banner that said “Bring Marcus home.” They walked from Parliament Square to Downing Street, making their voices heard.
Reports say Marcus is in solitary confinement and has no phone access. The UK government is aware and is supporting him while he’s in the UAE.
Before his arrest, he was out on bail and living in temporary housing in Dubai. He turned himself in to the authorities at the end of December.
In a heartfelt statement, Marcus thanked everyone for their support, saying it’s been a tough journey but he feels guided by his faith. He expressed gratitude for the donations that have helped him and his family.
There’s hope that the ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, might grant him a pardon. His family and supporters are urging the UK foreign secretary, David Lammy, to step in.
A fundraiser for Marcus’s legal fees has raised over £50,000, showing strong community support. Radha Stirling from the charity Detained in Dubai called the sentence “unfathomable,” arguing it’s too harsh for the situation.
She believes that with enough public support and possible British intervention, Marcus’s sentence could be overturned, but the timeline for that remains uncertain.
