Lebanese singer Fadl Shaker is scheduled to appear before the Lebanese judiciary on Tuesday to begin his trial regarding the charges against him, according to media reports.

This comes after the singer of “Keefak A Fraqi” turned himself in last Saturday at the Al-Hisba checkpoint in the Ain al-Hilweh camp in Sidon and headed directly to the Ministry of Defense in Baabda, where investigations were launched under the supervision of the competent judiciary.

Upon surrendering himself, all prior absentia verdicts against him are nullified, and he will be retried according to Lebanese legal procedures, with a final ruling expected either on Tuesday or postponed at the court’s discretion.

Origins of the Cases

The origins of the cases against Fadl Shaker trace back to previous charges, most notably those related to the Abra events in 2013, where the Lebanese military court acquitted him in July 2018 of terrorism charges and fighting the Lebanese army, following thorough investigations and testimonies from participants on both sides, with no evidence of his presence in the events or in recorded footage.

Charges Currently Facing Fadl Shaker

The current charges include participation in criminal acts committed by terrorists, financing Sheikh Ahmed Al-Asir’s armed group, forming armed gangs, committing acts of terrorism and robbing citizens, as well as money laundering and fraud.

The singer’s defense, led by lawyer Dr. Amata Mubarak and her legal team, relies on the 2018 acquittal and testimonies from participants in the Abra events to refute the charges. All eyes are now on Tuesday’s session to see Fadl Shaker’s fate before the Lebanese judiciary.