British teenager released from Dubai jail after royal pardon

Monday, 7 July 2025 09:25

A British teenager sentenced to one year in a Dubai jail for having a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old girl has been released after receiving a royal pardon, a campaign group has said.

Marcus Fakana, 18, of Tottenham, north London, received the pardon from Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum and is safely in the UK, Detained In Dubai said.

The group's chief executive Radha Stirling said 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 believe this case highlights the urgent need for expedited legal processes for foreign nationals and safeguards against unnecessary custodial sentences."

Mr Fakana was with his parents in the United Arab Emirates when a "holiday romance blossomed" with another Londoner, who has since turned 18, the campaign group previously said.

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He was arrested at his hotel last year after the girl's mother reported the relationship to Dubai police after she allegedly found their pictures and chats.

In Dubai, the age of consent is 18.

Sky News

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