Fadl Shaker trial set to begin before military tribunal next Tuesday

BEIRUT — Lebanese singer Fadl Shaker, popular across the Arab world, will face a military tribunal next Tuesday, Nov. 25, over four cases, including charges of belonging to an armed group and “undermining state prestige.”

According to the state-run National News Agency (NNA), General Bassam Fayad, who presides over the military tribunal, has set the start of the trial for Tuesday.

The charges are: belonging to an armed organization, its financing, possession of unlicensed weapons, and undermining the prestige of the state.

A singer who became a Salafist, Shaker was sentenced in absentia in 2020 to 22 years in prison for supporting and financing the group of preacher Ahmad al-Assir, the main figure in clashes against the Lebanese Army in Abra in 2013, which left 29 dead, including 18 soldiers.

He remained on the run, holed up in the Palestinian refugee camp of Ain al-Hilweh in southern Lebanon since then, before surrendering to Lebanese authorities on Oct. 5.

His surrender is said to be the result of pressure and threats made against him in recent months in the camp, due to his return to the music scene and the release of his latest album.

In parallel, proceedings are also being carried out against Shaker before the Beirut criminal court, in which a public hearing has been set for Dec. 15. This hearing should provide an opportunity for a face-to-face encounter with Assir, who has was sentenced the death penalty for the battles in Abra.