Journalist and art critic Mahmoud Al-Khatib, a close friend of Lebanese singer Fadl Shaker, revealed the reason behind the artist’s recent frequent use of sunglasses, explaining that Shaker suffers from diabetes. The condition has affected his eyesight, making him sensitive to bright light, hence the constant use of sunglasses.
اضافة اعلان
Al-Khatib spoke to media host Ahmad Abu Elyazid on the podcast “Abu Elyazid,” discussing possible factors that could lead to Shaker’s acquittal ahead of his trial scheduled for Tuesday before the Lebanese military court.
Shaker turned himself in to the Lebanese Army on October 4, denying any claims of Saudi or Qatari involvement in his surrender. Al-Khatib noted that political changes in Lebanon encouraged Shaker to resolve his legal case. “He is currently at the Ministry of Defense, being interrogated by people who fear God… The charges could be resolved in a single session, and he might be released by the end of December,” he added.
Regarding the charges, Al-Khatib explained that the accusation of offending a sister country was dropped following Bashar al-Assad’s fall. He also ruled out the possibility of Shaker receiving the death penalty or a 15-year prison term for joining an armed group. The most serious allegation is funding Ahmad Al-Asir’s group, but Al-Khatib clarified that Al-Asir was not classified as a terrorist before June 23, 2013, which affects the legal implications of Shaker’s support.
Additionally, Al-Khatib referenced Shaker’s 2018 acquittal of charges related to killing army soldiers and terrorism, citing military officials’ statements confirming Shaker had left Al-Asir’s group ten days before the Abra battle, rejecting any escalation against the army—a claim Shaker firmly denies.
