The British teenager turned himself in to the authorities Dubai He was sentenced to one year in prison for having a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old girl, the campaign group said.
Marcus Fakana, 18, was on holiday with his family in the United Arab Emirates when he met the girl, who also moved to London at 18 the following month. He was arrested at his hotel and charged after the girl’s mother found his messages and pictures after the family returned to London and Dubai police were called.
Radha Striveling, the leader of the campaign group detained in Dubai, said Fakana had surrendered to the authorities and was scheduled to serve his sentence in Dubai’s al-Awir prison.
He wrote in 10 the teenager still hopes for forgiveness from the ruler of Dubai, Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, and help from the UK foreign secretary, David Lammy – the family’s MP in Tottenham – and the British embassy.
He said: “I am concerned about the impact of the Dubai prison on the life of an 18-year-old. Words do not come easily to him who has betrayed his freedom.
When asked earlier about the case, Lammy Fakana said he had “every support available” from the UK authorities but that people should “follow the rules” of other countries.
He had previously said the decision was a “total disgrace” and “an impediment to Britain”, and that “the UK has prioritized trade over people’s lives”.
Stirling shared a message from Fakana who said: “Thank you to everyone who supported me in my fight. It is a long fight but nothing is hard with my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ guiding me.
“I am grateful to all the people who have helped me and my family by giving me faith to support me.”
Fakana previously said the pair had kept their “holiday romance” a secret from the girl’s family “because they were strict” and had hoped to see her again in the UK.
Dubai has strict laws and enforcement on drugs, alcohol and sex, whose age of consent is 18. If an adult has a sexual relationship with a person under 18, they can be charged with having intercourse with a minor.
In a previous statement, prosecutors said: “Under UAE law, the girl is legally recognized as an orphan, and according to international standards, her mother – as she is the legal guardian – filed the complaint.
“Dubai’s legal system is committed to protecting the rights of all individuals and ensuring a fair trial.”