• Syrian artists' syndicate: "Bassam Kousa is perfectly fine"
• Syrian artists' syndicate: "just a rumor"

The Syrian artists' syndicate responded to the rumors that circulated regarding the death of artist Bassam Kousa, denying their accuracy completely.

It had been reported that the Syrian artist had died in the past few hours.

The syndicate published an official statement on its Facebook page, confirming that Kousa is fine and in good health.

It said: "Our colleague, the esteemed artist Bassam Kousa, is perfectly fine. We reiterate and confirm that any news not issued by the artists' syndicate is merely a rumor. Stay well."