Fadl Shaker Begins His Trial After Years of Disappearance Amid Complex Cases

The Lebanese artist Fadl Shaker has begun his trial process before the Lebanese military court after years of disappearance, amid expectations that the proceedings will take a long time due to multiple legal complexities.

The charges against Shaker relate to the killing of Lebanese army personnel in 2013 in the town of Abra near Sidon, during a clash with members of Ahmad al-Assir's group, with which Shaker was affiliated at the time. The charges include carrying weapons, firing shots, and participating in the formation of armed groups that threaten internal security.

Legal and media sources indicate that the possibility of his acquittal is high, as his name was not mentioned during the trial of al-Assir and the other detainees, and his involvement in direct acts of violence against the army has not been proven.

After surrendering to the Lebanese authorities last Saturday evening, his legal team began preparing for the official trial, amid secrecy regarding the session dates and procedures, while the Arab public is following the case with great interest.

This trial comes after previous judgments issued in absentia were annulled, necessitating a retrial to ensure the legal rights of the artist.