Khaberni - The family of Lebanese artist Fadel Shaker denied all the rumors addressing his deteriorating health condition, stating that he is fine.
In a statement released by his son, Mohammed Shaker, on social media on Thursday, the family thanked everyone who inquired and offered support during this difficult time, indicating that their love and attention strengthen the family's morale and their determination to establish justice and reveal the truth legally.
The family clarified that all rumors about Fadel Shaker's deteriorating condition are untrue, expressing appreciation for every message, inquiry, and support from the public.
This statement comes after news circulated in the past few hours on social media and several media outlets, suggesting a notable deterioration in Fadel Shaker's health inside his cell, amid claims of his urgent transfer to a hospital in Beirut for specialized medical care.
Rumors indicated that the artist had been suffering from complications due to diabetes for some time, which necessitated strict medical supervision around the clock, especially after a noticeable decline in his general condition in recent days.
Shaker had turned himself in to the Lebanese army on October 5 at the entrance of Ain el-Helweh camp in southern Lebanon due to the events in Abra which occurred in 2013.
Fadel Shaker recently appeared before the military court, where the court postponed the session to February 3, upon request from his lawyer Amata Mubarak to review the four files in which Shaker is being pursued.
It is worth noting that Fadel Shaker, born in Saida in 1969 to a Lebanese father and Palestinian mother, is one of the most prominent Arab singers of his generation. He was famous for his romantic songs and warm voice until he announced his retirement from music in 2012, following his affiliation with the radical cleric Ahmad Al-Assir.
In June 2013, severe clashes broke out between supporters of Al-Assir and the Lebanese army in the town of Abra near Saida, following an attack on a military checkpoint.
The battles resulted in the death of 18 soldiers and 11 militants, ending with the army's control over the complex that Al-Assir and his supporters, including Shaker, had used as their headquarters.
After these events, Fadel Shaker disappeared from public view and took refuge in Ain el-Helweh camp, where he remained for years.
In 2020, the military judiciary issued two absentee sentences against him, the first sentencing him to 15 years in prison with hard labor and stripping him of his civil rights after being convicted of "intervening in terrorist acts by providing logistical services to their perpetrators".
The second sentence imposed a seven-year prison term with hard labor and a financial fine on him, for funding Al-Assir's group and securing weapons and ammunition for them.
Shaker has repeatedly declared his innocence through his lawyer, emphasizing that he did not participate in firing at the army during the Abra events.
In recent years, Fadel Shaker's presence has been limited to few media interviews and some sparse musical releases until he recently returned to the music scene with a series of new songs that gained significant popularity, most notably the song "How are you on my parting" performed with his son Mohammed, which garnered over 113 million views on his official YouTube channel since its release last July.
