Elissa: "Fadl Shaker is one of the most important voices in the Arab world" Elissa’s stance on Fadl Shaker sparks widespread reaction

Lebanese singer Elissa sparked widespread reaction on social media after expressing her candid opinion about artist Fadl Shaker, whose name recently resurfaced following his surrender to the Lebanese army.

In a widely circulated video, Elissa said: "I still say that Fadl Shaker is one of the most important voices in the Arab world, and I feel compassion for him because he surely had his own circumstances that led him to act this way."

The artist, affectionately known by fans as the "Queen of Emotion," added: "I don’t want to blame him like others do, but I say that he is a great loss."

“Reflecting her honesty and humanity”

Elissa’s words resonated strongly with her audience, with many social media users noting that her stance reflects "her honesty and humanity." One follower commented: "Elissa has always had a firm position and always speaks the truth." Others observed that her remarks came at a sensitive time, shedding a human perspective on Shaker’s case after years of controversy.

Fadl Shaker returns to the spotlight after 13 years

Elissa’s statements coincided with Fadl Shaker’s return to public attention, albeit outside the music scene. After more than 13 years of absence, the singer of "Sahak El Shouq" surprised the public by surrendering to the Lebanese army at the entrance of Ain al-Hilweh camp near Sidon in southern Lebanon.

The Lebanese army announced in an official statement that the wanted individual, Fadl Abdul Rahman Shminder, professionally known as Fadl Shaker, turned himself in to an intelligence patrol regarding the Abhra events of 2013, noting that investigations are ongoing under the supervision of the competent judiciary.

In 2020, the Lebanese military court had issued a 22-year prison sentence in absentia with hard labor for Shaker, before later dropping some charges and acquitting him of direct involvement in fighting or killing soldiers.

Last April, Shaker issued a statement clarifying that he had been wronged for over 13 years, explaining that his presence in the camp was an escape from death threats, not fear of the judiciary, and that the cases against him were the result of “political score-settling.”