Khaberni - The family of Lebanese artist Fadel Shaker denied media reports about the deterioration of his health condition in prison, coinciding with the postponement of his trial session to February.
Mohammad Fadel Shaker, through his official social media accounts, published a statement saying: "We, Fadel Shaker's family, would like to express our profound gratitude to everyone standing with us during these difficult times we are facing. Your love, concern, and inquiries about Fadel Shaker strengthen us and increase our determination and insistence on seeking justice and revealing the truth through legal means."
The statement added: "We would like to assure you that Fadel Shaker is well, thank God, and all rumors about the deterioration of his health condition are completely unfounded. We appreciate every message, every inquiry, and all the support you provide us; relief is coming, God willing."
Fadel Shaker's trial
The military court in Beirut postponed the trial session of Fadel Shaker to February 3, following a request by his legal representative, lawyer Amata Mubarak, who asked for additional time to review the files related to the lawsuits filed against her client.
At the beginning of the session, Mubarak requested that it be held in secrecy, but the presiding judge, Brigadier General Waseem Fayyad, denied this request, and the proceedings continued publicly in front of the attendees.
The court was scheduled to begin examining four cases against Shaker, including belonging to and funding an armed organization linked to Sheikh Ahmad al-Assir's group, possession of unlicensed weapons, and undermining the authority and prestige of the state. These developments follow a few weeks after Shaker surrendered himself to the Directorate of Intelligence, ending years of his absence inside Ain al-Hilweh camp.
It is worth mentioning that the Lebanese army had announced in a statement issued on October 5 that the artist, whose full name is Fadel Abdel Rahman Shamander, surrendered himself on October 4 to an intelligence patrol at the entrance of Ain al-Hilweh camp – Sidon, following the Abra events in 2013, confirming that an investigation had commenced under the supervision of the competent judiciary.
Fadel Shaker appearing before the military court marks a new phase in a long-awaited judicial process, especially after years of controversy over his role in the Abra incidents. The public eagerly anticipates the next session, expected to be completed with the defense being granted additional time to review the files.
