London Resident Marcus Fakana, 18, Faces 20 Years In Dubai Prison After Being Charged w/ Having Intercourse w/ 17-Year-Old During Family Vacation

London Resident Marcus Fakana, 18, Faces 20 Years In Dubai Prison After Being Charged w/ Having Intercourse w/ 17-Year-Old During Family Vacation

Social activist groups are rallying to support 18-year-old London tourist, Marcus Kafana, who is currently facing 20 years in Dubai prison on charges related to having consensual sex with a then-17-year-old British girl.

A report from BBC states that Kafana was on vacation with his family in Dubai when he connected with a fellow Britt, who has since turned 18 years old, according to human rights campaigner Radha Stirling, and engaged in a sexual relationship with her.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by the Jasmine BRAND (@thejasminebrand)

When the girl’s mother found explicit content from Kafana on her daughter’s phone she reportedly contacted United Arab Emirates (UAE) police, who arrested Kafana at his hotel.

Stirling stated in an interview that Kafana and his parents are “extremely distressed” over the ordeal, and added:

“It’s a unique case in that it’s the first one we’ve brought to the media where it’s a British citizen and where the age difference is so small.”

She continued:

“We are not talking about any abuse or taking advantage of anyone…This is clearly just a case of two older teenagers, both of them now the same age, who have been caught up because a mother reported the behavior.”

And furthered:

“This has gone absolutely viral and people just don’t think it’s fair….They are shocked that something that is absolutely legal in the UK could warrant 20 years in prison [in Dubai].”

The UAE has reportedly not commented on the case to the media at this time.

What are your thoughts?