Pop Star Turned Radical Fighter Fadel Shaker Gives Himself Up to Lebanese Military Following 12 Years in Hiding
A former celebrity singer who turned into a sought-after Islamist militant has voluntarily surrendered to the country's army intelligence following 12 years evading authorities.
Context of the Case
Fadel Shaker had been in hiding since bloody street clashes erupted in the summer of 2013 in the port city of Saida, pitting Sunni Muslim militants against the national military.
He faced trial in absentia and sentenced to over two decades in prison in the year 2020 for providing support to a militant organization.
The Surrender Event
On Saturday night, a Lebanese military intelligence force arrived at one of the access points of the refugee settlement of Ein el-Hilweh near Sidon and apprehended the fugitive into detention.
Authoritative sources stated that Shaker had been taking refuge inside the camp for over 12 years.
The handover occurred after coordination between mediators and officials at the ministry of defense.
Judicial Consequences
Authorities indicated that now that the defendant is being held by Lebanese authorities, the sentences that he received while on the run will be voided.
Investigators will interrogate him in readiness to face court proceedings on new charges of committing offenses targeting army personnel.
Shaker's Previous Denials
During his years as a fugitive, Shaker had rejected claims of playing any role in the 2013 confrontations and stated he never advocated violence.
The 2013 Incident
That year's armed clash, which pitted supporters of hardline religious leader Ahmad al-Assir against the national military, caused the deaths of at least 18 soldiers and intensified sectarian tensions in Lebanon between Sunni and Shia Muslims.
Through a recording posted to YouTube on the second day of the urban conflict in the city, a unshaven Shaker called his enemies as swine and canines and taunted the military.
Professional Evolution
Shaker became a celebrity singer across the Middle East in 2002 with a chart-topping song.
Almost 10 years later, he fell under the influence of Assir and surprised followers by appearing next to the hardline cleric at public gatherings.
Subsequently, he announced that he was abandoning his music career to draw nearer to the divine.
Latest Updates
In July, the former singer, along with his son Mohammed, released a fresh track that became extremely popular across the Arab world and gathered over 113 million watches on YouTube.
Broader Context
Shaker's handover coincides with the national military began the process of gathering weapons from the country's 12 Palestinian refugee camps that have historically remained off limits to authorities.
