Lebanese singer Fadel Shaker released on bail

Lebanese authorities released former singer Fadel Shaker on bail Wednesday, judicial officials said. Shaker, who transformed into an armed activist, spent several months in prison awaiting retrial on charges of belonging to an armed group and money laundering.

Shaker surrendered to Lebanese military intelligence last October. He had been in hiding for 12 years in the Ain al-Hilweh refugee camp near the coastal city of Sidon. He was tried in absentia in 2020 and sentenced to 22 years for supporting a "terrorist group" amid deadly clashes in 2013 between Sunni militants and the Lebanese army near Sidon.

Four judicial officials stated that Shaker paid bail of 500 million Lebanese pounds (approximately $5,500). He was released Wednesday after questioning on charges including membership in and financing of armed groups, and money laundering, in addition to his alleged involvement in the 2013 Sidon clashes.

Neither Shaker nor his lawyer responded to requests for comment on the release decision or bail details.