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Fadel Shaker's trial: Details of the confrontation session and the postponement of the verdict

Comprehensive coverage of the trial of Fadel Shaker and Ahmad al-Assir: Hilal Hammoud's testimony, details of the Abra events, and Fadel Shaker's defense. Find out when the next session is.

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Fadel Shaker's trial: Details of the confrontation session and the postponement of the verdict

The Beirut Criminal Court witnessed significant developments in the trial of artist Fadel Shaker and Sheikh Ahmad al-Assir during an extraordinary session held on Friday. The atmosphere was markedly different from what observers of this complex legal case have come to expect. The session, presided over by Judge Bilal Dannawi, was ostensibly dedicated to reviewing the lawsuit filed by Hilal Hammoud, head of the "Resistance Brigades" in Sidon, accusing them of attempted murder. However, it transformed into a platform for revealing new details and recounting pivotal events in the history of Sidon.

Unfamiliar scene and change in behavior

Uncharacteristically, Fadel Shaker appeared calm and self-assured, breaking away from the isolation that characterized his previous periods. Media sources noted his surprising direct interaction with journalists inside the courtroom, emphasizing his close monitoring of all published material about him—a move interpreted as an attempt to rehabilitate his public image and clarify his legal and political position.

Hilal Hammoud's testimony: Between the wheelchair and political interference

The most notable event of the session was the arrival of plaintiff Hilal Hammoud in a wheelchair, delivering a lengthy testimony that lasted for more than two hours. Hammoud denied rumors that he had received money to withdraw the lawsuit, revealing intriguing political details. He confirmed that his earlier decision to withdraw was in response to a direct request from Hezbollah leader Hashem Safieddine. Hammoud recounted the details of what he endured during the Abra events, noting that his house was subjected to heavy gunfire after a series of threats, and pointing the finger at Fadel Shaker for inciting violence through loudspeakers at the Bilal bin Rabah Mosque.

Background to the events in Abra: The historical context of the conflict

To understand the depth of this trial, it is necessary to return to the historical context of the Abra events that took place in June 2013 in the southern Lebanese city of Sidon. These events were not spontaneous, but rather the result of long-standing political and sectarian tensions, exacerbated by the outbreak of the Syrian crisis and the resulting divisions within Lebanese society. That battle marked a bloody turning point, leading to violent clashes between supporters of Ahmad al-Assir and the Lebanese army, resulting in casualties and the closure of the "Assir phenomenon" file from a security standpoint. This paved the way for legal proceedings that continue to this day.

Fadl Shaker: Defending the name and political stance

In contrast, Fadel Shaker maintained his innocence, asserting that his appearance in court was solely to "clear his name" of the accusations against him. Shaker categorically denied entering the mosque to incite violence or participate in military activities, considering his case to be purely political and a consequence of his public stance on the Syrian revolution at the time. This defense reflects the retired artist's desire to turn the page on the past and return to his normal life, despite the legal complexities surrounding his case.

The verdict has been postponed, and we await the next stage

Due to the complexity of the details and the defense's need to present its arguments, the court decided to postpone the hearing until April 24th, after the end of Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr. The Lebanese public, and fans of Fadel Shaker in particular, are eagerly awaiting the outcome of these sessions, which are considered a crucial indicator of the possibility of resolving this thorny issue that intertwines art, politics, and security.

The Saudi News Network first launched on Twitter via its official account, @SaudiNews50, and quickly became one of the Kingdom's leading independent news sources, thanks to its fast and reliable coverage of major local and international events. Due to the growing trust of its followers, the network expanded by launching its website, a comprehensive news platform offering regularly updated content in the fields of politics, economics, health, education, and national events, presented in a professional style that meets the public's expectations. The network strives to enhance public awareness and provide accurate information in a timely manner through on-the-ground reporting, in-depth analysis, and a specialized editorial team, making it a trusted source for anyone seeking up-to-the-minute Saudi news.

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Culture and Art

Dr. Khulood breaks her silence after her release: A moving message

Dr. Khulood breaks her silence after she and her husband are released on bail. Learn about her moving message, the family video in the rain, and the background of the money laundering case.

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Dr. Khulood breaks her silence after her release: A moving message

After days of anticipation and media frenzy surrounding her and her husband's release on bail, the renowned Kuwaiti content creator, Dr. Khulood, broke her silence. She addressed millions of followers on her official Instagram account in an emotional and moving message, revealing the profound psychological suffering she endured behind the scenes during this difficult period.

In her first comment, Dr. Khulood expressed her deep gratitude for the overwhelming support she received from her fans and followers, emphasizing that her absence from social media was not due to neglect, but rather a response to the intense psychological pressure imposed by the recent crisis. In her post, she wrote: "The ordeal we went through was more difficult than I imagined, but your prayers and messages eased my pain, even if I couldn't reply to everyone.".

Dr. Khulood and her husband Amin

Subtle messages and invitations in the rain

To convey a deeper message beyond words, Khulood posted a video on Snapchat showing her, her husband, and their children smiling and dancing in the rain—a serene family scene. The video was accompanied by a written prayer asking God to transform every hardship into a way out and every worry into relief. Followers reacted widely, interpreting it as a sign of turning the page on the past and beginning a new chapter.

Case context and legal background

These statements come after the Public Prosecution decided to release Dr. Khulood and her husband on bail of 5,000 Kuwaiti dinars on January 28, 2026, pending a case that sparked widespread controversy in Kuwaiti and Gulf circles regarding the sources of wealth of a number of social media celebrities. These measures are part of a regulatory and legal campaign aimed at enhancing financial transparency and verifying the legitimacy of cash flows in the bank accounts of influencers.

Financial transparency and sources of income

In defending her legal position, Dr. Khulood previously stated that all sources of income for herself and her husband are declared, transparent, and compliant with applicable laws. She indicated that her husband works in advertising and owns a private company, in addition to his ongoing activity in the real estate sector, categorically denying all recent rumors and allegations of financial impropriety.

The impact of the case on the social media landscape

This case is particularly significant as it sheds light on the issue of social media influencers in Kuwait, a topic of considerable official and public interest. Kuwait is a leading country in regulating digital advertising and monitoring the financial inflation of accounts, making any legal action against influencers a focus of local and regional public opinion. Experts emphasize that such cases reinforce the importance of adhering to legal and accounting standards in the world of digital marketing and push for greater regulation of the influencer advertising market.

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Culture and Art

Ahmed Zaher reveals details of his illness and suicide attempt

Artist Ahmed Zaher recounts the details of his struggle with illness and weight gain that led him to consider suicide, and how he succeeded in regaining his stardom after standing in front of Adel Imam.

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Ahmed Zaher reveals details of his illness and suicide attempt

In shocking and moving confessions, Egyptian artist Ahmed Zaher opened his heart to the public, revealing the behind-the-scenes details of the most difficult periods he lived through in his personal and professional life, when a rare disease kept him away from the art scene for three years, which made him close to the brink of complete psychological collapse, to the point of seriously considering suicide to end his suffering.

Suffering with illness and weight gain

In a recent tribute seminar, Zaher recounted the details of that difficult period, noting that stopping work was not a choice but a forced decision due to a severe thyroid disorder, which caused him to gain excessive weight, exceeding 100 kilograms. He explained that this period was the most psychologically challenging, especially after he had established himself as one of the most prominent stars of his generation, only to suddenly find himself confined to his home while leading roles he had been considered for were given to his colleagues, deepening his feelings of helplessness and depression.

The moment of defeat in front of the leader

Zaher spoke with deep emotion about the pivotal moment when he appeared alongside the legendary actor Adel Imam in a project. Audiences and critics alike noticed the significant changes in his appearance and weight due to his illness, which deeply affected him. He emphasized that the looks of pity and surprise were slowly killing him, but at the same time, he considered that moment a wake-up call and an internal decision to fight back. He added, "I started again with very small roles that didn't reflect my previous career, but I didn't allow despair to defeat me, and I decided to start climbing the ladder from the very first step.".

Ahmed Zaher reveals: I was on the verge of committing suicide!

The journey back and up to the top

Ahmed Zaher's comeback wasn't easy. He embarked on a grueling journey to lose weight and regain his physical fitness, while simultaneously accepting supporting roles to prove himself. Zaher said, "It was the most difficult period of my life, but I learned to face the pain, not to give up, and to return step by step until I regained my self-confidence and my artistic standing." This perseverance culminated in the resounding success he has achieved in recent years, particularly in the complex villainous roles he has brilliantly portrayed, such as his famous role as "Fathi" in the series "Al-Prince," which returned him to the ranks of the leading stars in Arab drama.

A message of hope and inspiration

Ahmed Zaher's statements sparked widespread reaction on social media, with many considering them a powerful motivational message about willpower and resilience in the face of the most difficult health and psychological circumstances. Zaher's story highlights the immense psychological pressures celebrities face and the importance of psychological and familial support in overcoming adversity. Zaher has emphasized on more than one occasion that his wife was his primary supporter on his journey from the brink of collapse to the pinnacle of success.

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Culture and Art

Sherine Abdel Wahab's crisis: Leaked audio recordings and an urgent trial for those involved

Developments in the Sherine Abdel Wahab case after the leak of audio recordings and the hacking of her phone. Her lawyer, Yasser Qantoush, is taking legal action, and the trial date for the person who hacked her accounts is approaching.

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Sherine Abdel Wahab's crisis: Leaked audio recordings and an urgent trial for those involved

Egyptian star Sherine Abdel Wahab to the forefront of the media scene and search engines once again, not through a new artistic work, but through a complex legal and personal crisis, following the circulation of offensive audio recordings falsely attributed to her brother, which prompted an urgent and decisive move by her legal team to put an end to these violations.

Details of the report and legal action

In a move aimed at protecting the artist's rights and reputation, Yasser Qantoush, Sherine Abdel Wahab's lawyer, has initiated a series of official legal procedures. Qantoush filed an official report with the relevant authorities combating cybercrime in Egypt against an individual suspected of involvement in leaking audio recordings that spread like wildfire via the WhatsApp messaging application. These recordings contained offensive language and direct insults directed at the artist.

Qantoush put an end to the controversy surrounding the identity of the voice in the recordings, categorically confirming that it did not belong to Sherine's brother and refuting rumors that attempted to exploit previous family disputes. He explained that initial investigations and technical data clearly indicate that the accused obtained these private recordings after illegally hacking into the artist's phone , and not through any family source as some pages had claimed.

Historical background: A series of challenges

This incident adds to a series of crises that Sherine Abdel Wahab has faced in recent years, significantly impacting her artistic career and public image. Since her divorce and the subsequent family disputes and legal battles with production companies, the personal life of the "Voice of Egypt" has become fodder for the media, making her a frequent target of rumors and intrusions into her privacy. This current legal action reflects the artist's desire to put an end to these backdoors and focus on restoring her personal and professional stability.

Battle to Restore Digital Rights

In a related development concerning the cybercrimes targeting the artist, Egyptian investigative authorities have set February 21st as the date for the first hearing in the trial of the individual accused of seizing control of Sherine Abdel Wahab's official social media accounts. This case includes the takeover of her official YouTube channel, where the accused is suspected of illegally profiting from managing these channels, a blatant violation of the artist's intellectual property rights.

The phenomenon of digital blackmail and its impact

The case of Sherine Abdel Wahab highlights a growing and dangerous phenomenon: digital blackmail and the violation of the privacy of celebrities in the Arab world. This case is particularly significant as it comes at a time when Egyptian authorities are intensifying their efforts to combat cybercrime, relying on deterrent laws aimed at protecting the privacy of citizens. The results of the technical investigation being conducted by the relevant authorities are expected to play a crucial role in identifying the perpetrators and instigators, serving as a deterrent to anyone who might consider violating the privacy of others digitally.

Shereen’s legal team had previously announced that they were pursuing legal action against a number of online pages that had been publishing offensive content and fabricated images, stressing that these systematic campaigns had caused serious psychological and moral damage to the artist, who is striving to return to her audience with artistic works that befit her history.

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