Pop Star Transformed into Islamist Militant Fadel Shaker Gives Himself Up to Lebanese Military After 12 Years in Hiding
One former celebrity singer who turned into a wanted radical Islamist fighter has turned himself in to the country's army intelligence after spending over a decade evading authorities.
Context of the Case
Fadel Shaker had been in hiding since bloody confrontations broke out in the summer of 2013 in the coastal city of Saida, involving Sunni Muslim militants against the national military.
He faced trial while absent and sentenced to 22 years in prison in the year 2020 for providing support to a militant organization.
Handover Event
Late Saturday, a army intelligence unit reached one of the entrances of the refugee settlement of Ain al-Hilweh near the city and took Shaker into custody.
Security and judicial officials confirmed that the former singer had been taking refuge inside the refugee settlement for over 12 years.
The handover took place following arrangements between intermediaries and representatives at the ministry of defense.
Judicial Consequences
Officials explained that now that the defendant is in custody by the government, the sentences that he was given while on the run will be voided.
He will be questioned in readiness to face court proceedings on new charges of committing crimes against the military.
Shaker's Past Statements
Throughout his time in hiding, the former pop star had denied having any involvement in the 2013 confrontations and stated he never advocated bloodshed.
2013 Confrontation
That year's armed clash, which involved followers of hardline Sunni cleric Ahmad al-Assir against the Lebanese army, resulted in the deaths of at least 18 soldiers and deepened sectarian tensions in the country between the two main Muslim communities.
Through a recording posted to YouTube on the second day of the street fighting in Sidon, a unshaven Shaker referred to his enemies as swine and canines and taunted the military.
Career Transformation
The artist rose to become a celebrity singer throughout the Middle East in the early 2000s with a chart-topping song.
Almost 10 years later, he fell under the influence of the cleric and surprised followers by appearing alongside the hardline cleric at public gatherings.
Later, he announced that he was giving up his music career to become closer to God.
Recent Developments
In July, the former singer, along with his son, released a fresh track that became extremely popular throughout the Arab world and accumulated over 113M views on the video platform.
Wider Implications
This surrender coincides with the national military began the procedure of collecting arms from the nation's 12 Palestinian refugee camps that have historically remained off limits to government forces.
