Singer Transformed into Islamist Militant Fadel Shaker Gives Himself Up to Lebanese Military After 12 Years on the Run
A former celebrity singer who became a sought-after radical Islamist fighter has turned himself in to Lebanese military intelligence following over a decade on the run.
Background of the Case
Fadel Shaker had been in hiding since violent confrontations erupted in the summer of 2013 in the port city of Saida, pitting Sunni Muslim militants against the Lebanese army.
He faced trial in absentia and sentenced to 22 years in prison in the year 2020 for providing support to a militant organization.
Handover Process
Late Saturday, a Lebanese military intelligence force reached one of the access points of the Palestinian refugee camp of Ain al-Hilweh near Sidon and apprehended the fugitive into detention.
Authoritative sources confirmed that Shaker had been hiding inside the refugee settlement for over a dozen years.
The handover took place following arrangements between mediators and representatives at the ministry of defense.
Legal Implications
Authorities indicated that now that Shaker is in custody by Lebanese authorities, the verdicts that he received while on the run will be voided.
He will be questioned in preparation to face court proceedings on fresh allegations of perpetrating offenses targeting army personnel.
Shaker's Past Statements
During his years as a fugitive, the former pop star had denied having any involvement in the Sidon clashes and stated he never advocated bloodshed.
The 2013 Incident
That year's armed clash, which involved followers of radical religious leader Ahmad al-Assir against the national military, caused the loss of at least 18 military personnel and intensified sectarian tensions in Lebanon between Sunni and Shia Muslims.
In a video uploaded to the video platform on the following day of the urban conflict in Sidon, a bearded the singer called his opponents as swine and canines and taunted the army.
Professional Evolution
Shaker rose to become a celebrity singer across the Middle East in 2002 with a chart-topping song.
Roughly a decade after, he came under the sway of the cleric and shocked fans by showing up next to the hardline cleric at rallies.
Later, he declared that he was abandoning his music career to draw nearer to God.
Latest Updates
This past summer, the former singer, along with his son Mohammed, released a new song that went viral across the Arab world and gathered over 113 million views on YouTube.
Broader Context
This surrender comes as the national military began the procedure of gathering arms from the country's 12 Palestinian refugee camps that have historically remained off limits to authorities.
