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Fadel Shaker Makes First Beirut Court Appearance After 12 Years on the Run

He surrendered under a deal that voids past in‑absentia sentences, paving the way for questioning on new charges of crimes against the military.

Overview

  • The former Lebanese pop star had hidden in the Ein el‑Hilweh refugee camp since the 2013 Sidon clashes.
  • He was convicted in absentia in 2020 to 22 years for supporting a terrorist group, with those sentences now slated to be dropped under the arrangement.
  • Tuesday’s appearance in Beirut was a preliminary questioning session as authorities prepare a case on alleged offenses against the army.
  • The 2013 fighting between followers of Sheikh Ahmad al‑Assir and the Lebanese military killed at least 18 soldiers, and Shaker taunted troops in a contemporaneous video.
  • Despite years in hiding, he reemerged musically in July with a song released with his son that has drawn over 100 million views on YouTube.