An eighteen-year-old Londoner who faces up to 20 years in jail for allegedly having sex with a 17-year-old in Dubai has said he feels abandoned by Foreign Secretary David Lammy.
Marcus Fakana, 18, was charged by Dubai authorities after having an alleged “holiday romance” with a 17-year-old staying at the same hotel, with whom he planned to carry on a relationship with on their return home.
He was held at the “notorious” Al Barsha Police Station for three days, unable to make a phone call or speak with his parents, according to Detained In Dubai, a human rights group helping him with his case.
Although ministers have pledged support for the teen, Marcus has said he feels abandoned by the Government.
In a post on the group’s website, the eighteen-year-old said that while Mr Lammy had sent a “couple of letters”, he has not heard from him since.
“All they have done is send a couple of letters,” he said.
“I am not aware of any diplomatic communications or meetings with UAE counterparts. I feel abandoned, that I am going to lose my life over this, before it’s even really begun.”
A Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) spokesperson previously said: “We are supporting a British man in the UAE and are in contact with his family.”
Relatives of the Tottenham-based teenager have raised fears about the impact of being in custody in the UAE’s notoriously harsh prison system has had on him.
Detained in Dubai’s founder Radha Stirling called on the UK authorities to do more to support Marcus, adding: “We hope Dubai authorities will see the sense in allowing Marcus to come home before Christmas.
“He has truly been through enough. This experience will leave lifelong scars. I really feel his pain when we talk.
“Marcus is 18 years old, but faces the demise of his entire life for being intimate with someone in his same school year, who is his same age.
“This is where Dubai authorities need to be intelligent about their application of the law. Marcus had consensual relations with someone his own age, from his own country while on a short holiday.
“He does not deserve to be locked up in Dubai Central Prison for a fling.”
In a fundraiser for legal fees, which has so far raised £33,000, Marcus’ family said he has experienced mental health decline over his ordeal.
“What was meant to be a happy time has turned into a nightmare for him, our family, and our friends,” they said.
“This has happened as a result of someone trying to misuse UAE law against him. He is being charged with a crime that could lead to imprisonment for up to 20 years.
“He is only 18 years old, very scared, and his mental health is starting to decline.”
In Dubai, if an adult has a sexual relationship with a person under 18, they can be prosecuted for having a sexual relationship with a minor.
The relationship would be legal in the UK.
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