November 21st 2024.
Marcus, an 18-year-old from Tottenham, had recently traveled to Dubai with his family. During his trip, he met a 17-year-old girl from London and they began a secret holiday romance. However, the girl's strict family did not approve of their relationship, so they had to keep it hidden.
Despite the challenges, Marcus and the girl continued to see each other and their feelings for each other grew stronger. However, the girl had to return home in August and this is when the situation took a turn for the worse.
Police showed up at Marcus' family's hotel and took him into custody. He was confused and scared, not knowing what he had done wrong. He was not allowed to call or speak to his parents during the three days he was held at Al Barsha Police Station.
According to the human rights group Detained in Dubai, Marcus was charged because the girl's mother found their chats and pictures on her phone. In the United Arab Emirates, it is against the law for people under the age of 18 to engage in sexual activity outside of marriage.
Marcus' parents, who work as a cleaner and a warehouse worker, have paid £2,000 for him to stay in Airbnbs while he remains in Dubai. He misses his family and hopes to be home for Christmas. His situation has been described as a nightmare by Marcus himself.
The CEO of Detained in Dubai, Radha Stirling, believes that the girl's mother was too strict and overreacted by involving the police in a private matter. She also points out that the laws in the UAE regarding relationships are very strict.
Despite facing the possibility of years in jail, Marcus is determined to stay positive and hopes for a resolution soon. His family and the human rights group are working together to support him and bring him home safely.
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