Marcus Fakana, a 19-year-old from Tottenham, North London, has returned to the UK after serving seven months in a Dubai prison for having sex with a fellow British tourist he met on holiday.

Fakana was 18 at the time of the incident in 2024. The girl, just shy of her 18th birthday, was staying at the same luxury resort. Despite the relationship being consensual, UAE law criminalizes sexual activity with anyone under 18. The girl’s mother reported the relationship to authorities after finding messages between them.

The case sparked international criticism of the UAE’s strict laws and their impact on foreign nationals. Fakana’s release followed a royal pardon granted by Dubai’s ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, after a campaign led by advocacy group Detained in Dubai.

Radha Stirling, the group’s CEO, said Marcus should never have been imprisoned. “He went from a short holiday to nearly a year in jail. We’re grateful he’s finally home.”

Fakana’s family thanked supporters and urged a review of UK travel advice to the UAE, citing the severe toll the ordeal has taken on him.

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