• The indictment authority in Lebanon recommends dropping two major charges against Fadel Shaker
• The preliminary session focused only on procedural matters ahead of the trial scheduled for December 15

Sources close to the trial of artist Fadel Shaker reported that the indictment authority in Lebanon recommended dropping two key charges against him: insulting a neighboring state and financing terrorist activities through money laundering

The sources added that the indictment authority considered that the charge of insulting a neighboring state is no longer valid legally, since the former Syrian regime no longer enjoys international legitimacy, and President Bashar al-Assad is considered a fugitive from justice according to international statements and warrants

They also stated that the charge of financing terrorism was dropped due to insufficient evidence proving Fadel Shaker’s involvement in any illegal financial activity," noting that "the financial transactions under investigation did not show any use for money laundering or funding prohibited activities

The sources explained that Fadel Shaker hopes the final decision will be fair and just, allowing him to close a long chapter of legal troubles that have accompanied him for years and pave the way for his return to his artistic and public life normally

The artist had attended a preliminary session last Wednesday before the President of the Criminal Court in Beirut, Judge Bilal Al-Danawi, at the Palace of Justice

Sources indicated that the session was limited to formal procedures ahead of his trial scheduled for December 15