His release was ordered last week in what is known as an Eid pardon, during which a prominent figure often offers clemency to a group of prisoners in Muslim countries during a major religious holiday. The pardon was ordered by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Dubai ruler, after Fakana personally appealed from Al Awir Prison.
A spokesperson from the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) confirmed his release and return, adding that they had assisted Fakana and honoured his desire for privacy after returning home.
Teen Love Stirred Legal Trouble in Foreign Lands
Fakana had flown to the UAE with his parents at the end of last August, where the rickshaw driver began a relationship with the girl, who is also from London. The girl had by then turned 18, and the relationship was consensual, said the advocacy group Detained in Dubai. But when she returned to the UK, her mother found messages between the two and complained to authorities in the UAE, leading to legal proceedings.
According to UAE law, consent in sexual cases is null if a person is under the age of 18. In a statement, the Dubai government said the complaint had been lodged by the legal guardian of the girl, in accordance with international protocols.
The legal system in the UAE, with its dictates on personal comportment, is not just different, but in many cases far more strict, than what can be found in numerous Western countries. These range from laws about relationships to drinking alcohol to what you post online.
Demands for Law Reform for Foreign Nationals
Radha Stirling, chief executive of Detained in Dubai, welcomed Fakana's release, saying he is "Read More – Sourcerecovering" now that his ordeal was over. She highlighted the implications of his case, which led to widespread discussion about the treatment of tourists and young people in the UAE's legal system.
"This case demonstrates the importance of expediting judicial proceedings for foreign nationals and protecting them from unjustified incarceration," Stirling said. "A vast majority of families don't know that what they consider to be the normal behaviour for teenagers can result in a criminal conviction overseas.
Stirling advised parents to inform themselves and their children about the potential legal risks of visiting countries such as the UAE, where cultural and legal norms are much more conservative.
