-
After Years of Hiding...Fadel Shaker Surrenders to the Lebanese Army
Lebanese artist Fadel Shaker surrendered to the Lebanese Army on Saturday after years of hiding and legal pursuit. Sources close to him reported that Shaker approached the al-Hisbah checkpoint in Sidon, where army officers took him into custody to await questioning.
Witnesses stated that Shaker, who was previously in a state of relief and optimism, was talking with his companions during the surrender. It is worth noting that Shaker, born in Sidon in 1969, is one of the most prominent Arab singers, known for his romantic songs before retiring from singing in 2012 and joining the armed group of Sheikh Ahmed al-Asir.
He had sought refuge in the Ain Al-Hilweh camp in 2013 to escape security pursuits, following clashes between the army and the group. In 2020, the Lebanese military court issued two absconder sentences against him for supporting extremist groups, in addition to another 15-year prison sentence issued in 2017.
In April 2023, Shaker confirmed in a statement that all charges against him are merely political revenge, emphasizing that he was not wanted when he sought refuge in Ain Al-Hilweh camp but was fleeing a death threat. He expressed his confidence that the Lebanese judiciary would deliver justice.
In recent years, Shaker resumed singing unofficially, releasing songs on YouTube with his son that achieved wide success amid a debate between supporters and opponents of his artistic return.
