Fadl Shaker

Short Biography

Fadl Abdulrahman Shamandar (Arabic: فضل عبد الرحمن شمندر‎) better known as Fadl Shaker (Arabic: فضل شاكر‎) (born on April 1, 1969) is a former prominent Lebanese singer of Lebanese and Palestinian origin and currently a fugitive militant Salafist in hiding. During his musical career he was signed to Al Khouyoul Records and from 2003 onwards with Rotana Records. In 2011, he declared his allegiance to Salafist sheikh Ahmed al-Assir renouncing music on religious grounds and retiring from his career in music. In June 2013, al-Assir militants attacked the Lebanese Army killing 17 soldiers. Shaker claimed to have killed two soldiers himself. Al-Assir and Shaker later fled and arrest warrants were issued for their capture. During the events, militants went into his villa in Saida, Lebanon and burnt it down. Shaker's whereabouts remain unknown, but media reports confirm he is in hiding in Ain al-Hilweh Palestinian refugee camp. The Lebanese military prosecutor general has signed warrants for his arrest and charged him for a number of crimes including taking part in armed rebellion and in murders. If convicted, he can possibly face life imprisonment or the death penalty. He recently announced on LBCI news that he has separated himself from sheikh Al-Assir and that he doesn't have any ties with him anymore. Lebanese media also reported that he had retained the legal services of Attorney May El Khansa, who announced that Shaker is considering to surrender himself to the Lebanese authorities for a possible lighter sentence.