BREAKING:  Marcus Fakana Returns Home to the UK After Ordeal in Dubai

Detained in Dubai is delighted to confirm that Marcus Fakana returned safely to the United Kingdom on Thursday, the 3rd July, following his months-long prison ordeal in the United Arab Emirates.

Marcus, a 19-year-old from London, was arrested and imprisoned earlier this year over a consensual holiday relationship with another British tourist who was just months younger than him, a fact he was not aware of at the time. His case drew widespread attention and outrage, highlighting the UAE’s draconian laws that criminalise personal relationships and disproportionately target foreign nationals.

“Marcus should never have been put through this.   He was supposed to spend a short few days with his family but ended up spending nearly a year in the tourist destination.  We are thrilled that after an intensive campaign, he was officially pardoned and is  home safe, surrounded by those who love him,” said Radha Stirling, CEO of Detained in Dubai, an organisation that has helped more than 25,000 foreigners facing legal issues abroad over the past 18 years. “This was an extraordinary young man caught in a deeply unjust system. We thank everyone who stood by Marcus and helped bring him home.”

His release follows sustained pressure from Detained in Dubai’s legal and advocacy teams, as well as public support, behind-the-scenes diplomatic discussions and a royal pardon application. The family confirmed his arrival and expressed immense gratitude for the support received throughout the campaign.

“Marcus is back where he belongs,” Stirling said. “But no one should have to endure this.   He was 18 at the time and the British woman involved is now 18 too, a fact she did not divulge to him at the time.  We hope his story will prompt serious reconsideration of the UK’s travel advice and its engagement with the UAE on human rights issues.  Dubai could have chosen to fine and to deport him. Instead, the 18 year old  was sentenced to one year in prison.  The impact on his life has been severe and there was no need for him to endure such trauma”.  Detained in Dubai has long criticised the UAE for having double standards, saying "foreign visitors are treated as hardened criminals for the pettiest of conduct, while Emiratis and Gulf nationals involved in serious sex related crime and prostitution are given a free pass."

Detained in Dubai continues to call for urgent reform of laws that routinely entrap and criminalise innocent visitors to the UAE.

Further details of Marcus’s experience and the circumstances of his release will be made available in the coming days. “There has been significant press interest and Marcus will want to tell his story once he’s recovered. We invite members of the media to email us press@detainedindubai.org to arrange interviews.

Detained in Dubai continues to support individuals facing legal jeopardy in the Gulf region and has assisted over 25,000 people in cases involving wrongful detention, travel risks, and legal abuse. The organisation’s mobile app offers real-time alerts, legal resources, and emergency contact tools for those travelling or living abroad.  Follow Detained in Dubai on social media for important updates, warnings and emergency help.

When it feels like there’s no way forward, Detained in Dubai is known for finding solutions where others can’t.

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