British teen jailed in Dubai over sex with girl released | BBC News

Key Concepts:

• Age of consent in the UAE (18 years old)
• Consensual relationship
• Royal pardon (Eid pardon)
• Criminalization of tourists
• Disproportionate sentencing
• Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)
• Detained in Dubai (campaign group)
• Gesture of compassion during religious holidays

Case Overview:

Marcus Fakano, a British teenager (18 at the time of the incident, now 19), was jailed in Dubai for having consensual sex with a 17-year-old British girl while on holiday. The age of consent in the United Arab Emirates is 18.

Timeline and Key Events:

• Marcus Fakano was in Dubai with his parents since the end of August.
• The incident occurred in December.
• The girl's mother discovered messages between Marcus and her daughter after they returned to the UK.
• The mother reported Marcus to the authorities.
• Marcus was jailed for a year.
• He spent seven months in Alir prison.
• He was released on an Eid pardon.

Legal and Diplomatic Intervention:

• The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) supported Marcus and were in contact with him.
• Detained in Dubai, a campaign group, advocated for Marcus Fakano.
• Marcus Fakano wrote to Shik Muhammad bin Rashid al-Maktum, the ruler of Dubai, from Alir prison asking to be released.

Arguments and Perspectives:

• Detained in Dubai argues that Marcus's case highlights concerns about the criminalization of tourists and disproportionate sentencing in the UAE.
• The Eid pardon is described as a "gesture of compassion" and a way to offer individuals a second chance during religious holidays.

Notable Quotes:

• Foreign and Commonwealth and Development Office spokesperson: "We understand he wanted to get back to the UK without media attention and to see his family. um the FCDO supported him and were in contact with them."
• Detained in Dubai: "His case has attracted significant public attention because of concerns about the criminalization of tourists and disproportionate sentencing."

Eid Pardon Details:

• Eid pardons are granted during religious holidays.
• They are considered a "gesture of compassion."
• They offer individuals a "second chance."

Conclusion:

Marcus Fakano's case underscores the importance of understanding local laws and customs, particularly regarding the age of consent, when traveling abroad. The case also highlights the role of diplomatic intervention and advocacy groups in securing the release of individuals detained in foreign countries. The Eid pardon, while not guaranteed, provided a path for Marcus's release and return to the UK.