The family of a young British man facing a 20-year jail sentence in Dubai over a holiday romance have warned that his mental health is declining and they are all living in a “nightmare".
Marcus Fakana, an 18-year-old from Tottenham in north London, was on holiday with his parents when he met a 17-yearold girl who has since turned 18.
Campaign group Detained in Dubai said that after having sex, the teenagers, who were staying at the same hotel, discussed carrying on with their “blossoming” teenage romance when they came back to London.
The parents of the girl, who was a minor under United Arab Emirates (UAE) law, looked through her phone and reported Mr Fakana to the police after they arrived home from their trip, the organisation said.
Mr Fakana’s family said he is “very scared”. Dubai’s office of public prosecutions told the BBC his trial will take place on 9 December. The family have set up a GoFundMe to raise money for Mr Fakana’s legal costs, explaining they went to the UAE to celebrate his father’s birthday.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Zelensky will sign minerals deal in the US, says Trump
US president hails 'big agreement’ ahead of White House visit- but Ukraine president seeking security guarantees
Care to dine? That's £100 a head before you even order
Some restaurants now require minimum spends and deposits to stave off no-shows and influencers. Hannah Twiggs asks if this is a necessary evil or another way to squeeze customers
Why the rise in defence spending doesn't add up
At Prime Minister's Questions, Keir Starmer repeated his claim that the increase in defence spending he announced on Tuesday will amount to £13.4bn a year.
'Game for a Laugh' host Henry Kelly dies aged 78
The writer and broadcaster Henry Kelly, best known for presenting Going for Gold and Game for a Laugh, has died at the age of 78.
Playing the victim in style
As a new study sheds light on an under-discussed aspect of narcissism, Olivia Petter asks if we’ve been getting it wrong this whole time and what the consequences of that may be
Trump posts weird AI video of his vision for Gaza Strip
Donald Trump shared a video that he says unveils \"what’s next” for the Gaza Strip, including the president and Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu sipping cocktails and lounging topless beside a pool.
PM accused of 'covering up' funding for the Chagos deal
Sir Keir Starmer has been accused of a cover-up” over his increase in defence spending after he refused to say whether it includes funding the cost of handing over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius.
Youth outside London less positive and fear they will never succeed, poll finds
Young people living outside London are significantly more likely to feel pessimistic about their future, with many fearing they will never be able to afford a home, save for retirement or earn enough to support a family, new data reveals.
Firms face government contract ban over Grenfell
Seven organisations could be banned from bidding for government contracts following their role in the Grenfell Tower disaster.
Starmer to defend Ukraine as he faces Trump summit
Sir Keir Starmer has made it clear he intends to stand up to Donald Trump over Ukraine as he jets over to Washington DC for one of the most consequential meetings ever between a US president and British prime minister.
