Fadel Shakir, former Arab pop sensation, surrenders to Lebanese army after 12 years

News from Beirut has shaken the entire Arab music scene. Fadel Shakir, once a superhit pop star in the Arab world, is back in the headlines after 12 years- but this time not for a new song, but for his surrender. The artist who won millions of hearts with his romantic songs in the 2000s later turned to extremism and has now been handed over to the Lebanese army.

Fadel Shakir's name became famous throughout the Arab world in 2002 with the release of his first album. His melodious voice and profound lyrics catapulted him to fame. But nearly a decade later, his life changed completely. It is said that Shakir renounced music and declared his commitment to the path of Allah after coming into contact with the radical Sunni cleric Sheikh Ahmed al-Assir.

In 2013, fierce clashes broke out between al-Assir's supporters and the army in the southern Lebanese city of Sidon, resulting in the deaths of 18 soldiers. Following this violence, Fadel Shakir was also accused of incitement and supporting terrorists. The court sentenced him in absentia to 22 years in prison, and he fled.

Fadel Shakir hid himself for years in the Palestinian refugee camp "Ain al-Hilweh" near Sidon, an area where Lebanese security agencies have limited access. Finally, on Saturday night, after 12 years, he surrendered to the Military Intelligence Agency. According to officials, this surrender was made possible through the mediation of several intermediaries and Defense Ministry officials.

Now, Fadel Shakir will face re-interrogation under a new legal process. The sentences he served while on the run will be legally void, but new charges against him will be investigated.

Shakir has repeatedly stated that he did not pick up any weapons or incite violence during the Sidon conflict. However, in a 2013 video, he was seen sporting a beard and using extremist language, insulting the army. This video further controversially tarnished his image.

Interestingly, this past July, Fadel Shakir and his son, Mohammed, released a new song together, which garnered over 113 million views on YouTube. People applauded his musical comeback, but no one imagined that he would be jailed within a few months.