Mohamed Fadl Shaker: My father is innocent, and the media has been ignoring the truth since 2018.

Days before the release of the highly anticipated film “Ya Ghaib,” Lebanese artist Fadl Shaker’s name has once again made headlines, following widespread rumors that he has been pardoned by the Lebanese judiciary and that he may return to the music scene after years of absence.

Although no official statement was issued confirming the news, his fans reacted enthusiastically, expressing their hope to see him again. This reaction prompted his son, Mohamed Fadl Shaker, to break his silence and confirm the news via his Instagram account.

Mohamed Shaker: “My father is innocent… and the truth is beginning to emerge.” In a short video, Mohammed expressed his joy at what he described as “the vindication of justice,” noting that the Lebanese Army “confirmed his father’s innocence” of involvement in the 2018 Abra battle, and that the Lebanese media had ignored the news. He added, “Now my father is being falsely prosecuted on charges of stealing and laundering money worth $130,000. This is completely false and laughable,” he said. He concluded his message by saluting the Lebanese Army, expressing his hope for the return of justice and integrity to the Lebanese judiciary.

Despite the rumors... the court rulings still stand. Despite Mohamed's statement and the public's engagement, Fadl Shaker still faces sentences in absentia, most notably two prison sentences issued in 2020: the first, a 15-year prison sentence with hard labor for "interfering in terrorist acts," and the second, a 7-year sentence for "financing an armed group." Although he was acquitted of some charges related to the 2018 Battle of Abra, legal restrictions still restrict his freedom, though they don't prevent him from recording new songs for his fans in undisclosed locations.

"Ya Ghaib"... a film that tells the story from the beginning In parallel with these developments, audiences are anticipating the screening of the documentary drama "Ya Ghaib" on Sunday on the Shahid platform. The work recounts the life of Fadl Shaker from childhood until his retirement from art in 2012. Fadl appears in the promotional trailer crying, in touching scenes that reflect the depth of his experience. The film, starring Jordanian Emad Al-Muhtaseb and a child portraying his childhood, is the first artistic work to address the story of an Arab artist with such boldness and depth.