A British teen in Dubai may have their jail sentence for having sex increased to 20 years.

Human rights activists are currently working tirelessly to secure the release of Marcus Fakana, a British teenager who has been unjustly imprisoned in Dubai. Marcus, a young man from Tottenham, London, was arrested during a family vacation in the United Arab Emirates after engaging in a secret relationship with a 17-year-old girl. He has been sentenced to one year in prison, but there is a possibility that his sentence could be extended up to 20 years.

According to the CEO of Detained in Dubai, Radha Stirling, who is speaking on behalf of Marcus's family, there is still uncertainty surrounding his case. The prosecution may seek a harsher verdict, and Marcus's family is anxiously waiting to see if they will appeal the sentence. Stirling also expressed gratitude for the widespread support Marcus has received and hopes that the UK government will do more to help him.

David Haigh, a prominent human rights lawyer focusing on the Middle East, has warned that the maximum penalty for cases like Marcus's is 20 years. He believes that the prosecutor holds a significant amount of power in determining the sentence, and there is a concern that they may not want to let this case go and appear weak. Marcus will not have a chance to speak or defend himself in court, and everything will be conducted in Arabic without a translator.

Many people are curious as to why Marcus was jailed in Dubai in the first place. He has previously shared with Detained in Dubai that he and the girl had a mutual attraction and had entered into a holiday romance. However, due to the strictness of her family, she had to keep their relationship a secret. Marcus's parents were aware of the situation, but the girl's family was not, which ultimately led to his arrest.

Dubai may be known for its stunning landmarks like the Burj Khalifa, but its laws can often come as a surprise to travelers. In this case, Marcus was caught off guard by the strict laws surrounding relationships and sex. He has expressed feeling alone and frightened while his parents are terrified for his well-being. The hope for his release now lies with the ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, but there is no guarantee that he will respond to Marcus's plea for clemency.

It's worth noting that while the UAE has made efforts to relax some of its laws to attract tourists and investors, its regulations are still heavily influenced by Islamic Shariah law. Any form of sexual activity with someone under the age of 18 is considered illegal in Dubai. This strict interpretation of the law has caused concern and pressure from western countries, especially when their citizens are detained for breaking these laws. For example, in 2008, Ryan Cornelius, a 70-year-old man, was detained at Dubai Airport during a layover for alleged fraud.

Marcus's case is a reminder that it's important to familiarize oneself with the laws and customs of a country before traveling there. And while Dubai may be a popular tourist destination, it's essential to remember that it is still a conservative society with strict laws that must be respected. As Marcus's story continues to unfold, many are hoping for a positive outcome, and for him to be able to return home to his family soon.

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