A British teenager jailed in Dubai has been released and back to Britain to have sex with a 17 -year -old girl.
Marcus Fakan, a 19 -year -old Tottenham in North London, was sentenced to one year imprisonment in December, after a consenting relationship with the girl, who is also the British, while on leave in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The age of consent in the United Arab Emirates is 18.
The campaign group detained in Dubai has said that they have received a royal forgiveness from Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktaum.
A spokesman for a foreign and Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said: “He was released on an Eid forgiveness last week.
“We understand that he wanted to go back to the UK to see the media’s attention and to see his family.
“We supported him and were in touch with him.”
Dubai’s Chief Executive Officer Radha Sterling was detained, Mr. Fakan is “currently recovering”.
He said: “His case has attracted the attention of important public and sentenced due to concerns about criminalization of tourists.
“We believe that this case highlights the immediate need for foreign nationals and exposes security measures against punishment in unnecessary custody.”
Mr. Fakana was with his parents in the United Arab Emirates since the end of August last year, when a “holiday romance blossom”, with another London, who has since turned 18, had previously said.
The girl’s mother informed the UAE officials about Fakan, when she returned to the UK, after seeing the message between the two.
Mr. Fakan recently wrote to Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktum from Al Awir Jail.
In Muslim countries, an Eid forgiveness can be given to prisoners as a gesture of compassion by the emperor or the President and is a way to give individuals a second chance during religious holidays.
Ms. Sterling said, “Parents should be aware that the teenager can be charged for behavior in the UAE, which will not be considered criminal at home, whether it is a relationship, social media activity, or even drinking alcohol.”
The government of Dubai had earlier said: “Under the UAE Act, the girl is legally classified as a minor and, according to internationally recognized procedures, filed a complaint – as her mother -legal guardian.”
It states: “The legal system of Dubai is committed to protecting the rights of all individuals and ensuring fair judicial proceedings.”
