We, the undersigned, demand that the British Government act decisively to support Marcus Fakana an 18-year-old British national released on bail in Dubai but still facing severe legal and financial burdens after being charged for a consensual encounter with a 17-year-old British girl during a holiday. The girl, just two weeks from her 18th birthday at the time, does not consider herself a victim, yet local authorities have pursued this case under UAE laws, despite the fact that no crime was committed under British law.

This young man’s ordeal is an egregious example of the challenges British citizens face abroad when local laws clash with UK values and standards of justice. While he is out on bail, he remains trapped in Dubai, facing exorbitant legal fees and an uncertain future. The British Government must step up its efforts immediately to secure a resolution, assist with legal costs, and protect its citizen’s rights.

Why This Matter Requires Immediate Action
Gross Injustice and Disproportionate Punishment
The charges against this young man are rooted in UAE’s laws, which differ drastically from UK norms. Under British law, this consensual interaction between two close-in-age individuals would not constitute a crime. The UAE's pursuit of this case disregards the context and imposes disproportionate financial, emotional, and legal burdens on this young man and his family.
Diplomatic Responsibility to Protect British Nationals
The UK is a signatory to international treaties like the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, which obligates the government to assist its citizens facing foreign legal challenges. This situation demands immediate diplomatic intervention to mitigate the legal costs and ensure a swift resolution, preventing further harm to the accused.
Exorbitant Financial and Emotional Toll
Legal fees in Dubai are notoriously high, and this family is now burdened with an unsustainable financial obligation for a case that should not exist. Without British Government support, this young man’s future will be destroyed—not because of any wrongdoing, but because of an unjust application of foreign laws to British citizens.
Precedent for Diplomatic Advocacy
The UK has a moral and legal duty to advocate for its citizens facing injustice abroad. Strong government intervention can expedite a fair resolution while emphasizing to the UAE the importance of respecting cultural differences and the legal norms of other nations, especially in cases involving British citizens.
Our Demands
We call on the British Government to:

Advocate Vigorously for Case Dismissal
Pursue all diplomatic channels to secure a dismissal of the charges, emphasizing the consensual nature of the relationship and its alignment with UK law. This includes high-level engagement with UAE authorities.
Provide Financial Assistance for Legal Fees
Establish an emergency fund to cover the young man’s legal expenses or provide direct financial assistance to his family. The government must not stand by while financial ruin adds to an already unjust situation.
Offer Comprehensive Consular and Welfare Support
Ensure the young man receives continued legal, emotional, and logistical support through the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, including regular monitoring and advocacy on his behalf.
Strengthen Travel Advisories and Protections
Review and update travel advice for UAE, clearly warning British citizens about potential legal risks arising from cultural and legal differences.
Why This Matters
This is not just about one young man; it is about the responsibility of the British Government to protect its citizens from legal persecution abroad. Allowing this case to continue unchecked sets a dangerous precedent, undermining the rights and freedoms of British nationals. We must stand united to ensure that this young man is not punished for an act that is neither criminal nor immoral under UK law.

We demand immediate action to bring this case to a just conclusion, alleviate the financial burden, and demonstrate that the British Government values and protects its citizens, no matter where they are.