New Details in Fadl Shaker's Legal Crisis: Will It End Soon?

SadaNews - The case of Lebanese artist Fadl Shaker has returned to the forefront after he revealed that he has been subjected to blackmail over the past years in exchange for obtaining his acquittal for money. Meanwhile, his lawyer clarified the details of the cases and rulings issued against him and responded to the allegations regarding the money laundering case.

Amata Mubarak, Fadl Shaker's lawyer, explained that the permanent military court in Beirut issued a decision unanimously acquitting the Lebanese artist of the charges brought against him for engaging with the Lebanese army.

At the same time, she added that the rulings issued against him were a result of his absence from the trial sessions held in his absence, indicating that during those sessions regarding the money laundering case, it was proven that Fadl Shaker's funds come from legitimate artistic sources and contracts.

She confirmed that all members of Fadl Shaker's family were acquitted of that charge, and the case remained confined only to him.

Amata Mubarak also denied the accusations directed at Fadl Shaker until now of hiding within the Ain al-Hilweh camp for years due to rulings against him barring travel or leaving the country.

She noted that Fadl Shaker had indeed planned to travel but received death threats against him and his family, which led him to abandon that idea.

On another note, lawyer Cynthia Akiki pointed out that Lebanese law grants Fadl Shaker the right to a retrial in his presence, especially in light of the in absentia rulings issued against him, which would enable him to defend himself and present evidence to prove his innocence.

This came after Fadl Shaker revealed that he has been subject to blackmail over the past years to pay millions of dollars to obtain acquittal in the in absentia rulings against him, stemming from charges he described as fabricated.

He indicated that some demanded two million dollars from him, and the demands escalated to five million dollars, while others requested that he hand over some of his properties to gain acquittal from previously resolved charges, according to a statement issued by his media office.

Fadl Shaker emphasized that he was not wanted by any judicial authority when he entered the Ain al-Hilweh camp, stressing that he sought refuge there to escape death threats he received, describing the judicial rulings issued against him subsequently as unjustified.

He confirmed that he was acquitted of the charge of combat against the Lebanese army, and that this ruling was issued in absentia and indeed published in the media and on social media sites.

Fadl Shaker called for being treated as an ordinary citizen, away from the political dimensions of the judiciary, saying: "99% of the problem will be resolved if the political character of the case is removed."

He pointed out in the end that his assets have been seized despite his proven ownership of them, attributing this to the lingering influence of the Assad regime within some Lebanese institutions.

A large number of social media users engaged with Fadl Shaker's case, and opinions were divided between sympathy and criticism due to his involvement in issues away from art.

Artist Walid Toufic was one of the artists who reacted to Fadl Shaker's case, where he sent him a message expressing his anticipation for his return to art, expressing his deep love for him.

Walid Toufic said: "Fadl Shaker, I pray for you from my heart, and soon, God willing, I will see you outside, and you will be with us and light up your place. Nobody ever takes the place of another, your place is there, and your son's voice is beautiful, and I will hold concerts with Mohamed Fadl Shaker."

He emphasized that he wished to produce some works for him, saying: "Fadl is my dear friend, and I was one of the first people who wanted to produce for him. He is a great singer with a beautiful voice, and I love him from my heart, and people love him, and he has never been absent. May God grant him relief soon, and I am always in contact with him. He is one of the voices that reside in the hearts of the people."