A British teenager imprisoned in Dubai for engaging in sexual activity with a 17-year-old girl has been released and has returned to the UK.

Nineteen-year-old Marcus Fakana, hailing from Tottenham in north London, was sentenced to a year’s imprisonment in December following a consensual relationship with a fellow British national while on vacation in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

In the UAE, the legal age of consent is set at 18.

He received a royal pardon from Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai, according to the campaign organization Detained in Dubai.

A spokesperson for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) stated: “He was granted freedom last week due to an Eid pardon.

“We are aware that he wished to return to the UK away from media scrutiny to reunite with his family.

“We provided support and maintained communication with them.”

Radha Stirling, the chief executive of Detained in Dubai, remarked that Mr. Fakana “is presently in the process of recovery.”

She continued: “His situation has drawn considerable public attention because of concerns regarding the criminalization of tourists and excessively harsh sentences.

“We believe this case underscores the urgent necessity for faster legal procedures for foreign individuals and protective measures against unjust imprisonment.”

Mr. Fakana and his parents traveled to the UAE at the end of August last year, where he developed a “holiday romance” with another London resident, who has since reached the age of 18, the organization noted earlier.

The girl’s mother alerted UAE authorities after discovering messages exchanged between the two upon returning to the UK.

Recently, Mr. Fakana had written to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum from Al Awir Prison, requesting his release.

In Muslim nations, an Eid pardon can be granted by the monarch or president as a compassionate gesture, offering inmates a chance for a fresh start during religious festivities.

“Parents should be aware that teenagers can face charges in the UAE for actions that wouldn’t be deemed criminal in their home countries, whether it involves relationships, social media interactions, or even alcohol consumption,” Ms. Stirling cautioned.

The Dubai government has previously stated: “Under UAE law, the girl is seen as a minor, and, in line with internationally recognized procedures, her mother, as the legal guardian, lodged the complaint.”

It added: “Dubai’s legal system is dedicated to safeguarding the rights of all individuals and ensuring fair judicial proceedings.”