Supporters of 18-year-old Marcus Fakana, who is in jail in Dubai for an incident involving a 17-year-old British girl, held a protest in central London.
Fakana, from Tottenham, was sentenced to one year in prison after the girl’s mother reported the situation to Dubai authorities. The girl, now 18, and Fakana were on vacation when it happened.
Fakana’s family and friends gathered in Westminster to call for his release. The UK government is assisting him.
His parents returned to London to work and pay for his temporary stay in Dubai.
Fakana is currently in Al Awir prison in Dubai.
Radha Stirling, from the charity Detained in Dubai, expressed concern that the sentence was too severe. She believes that the sentence will be appealed and changed, allowing Fakana to return home, although she is uncertain how long that may take or if British support will be needed.
