<p style=";text-align:left;direction:ltr"></p><p style=";text-align:left;direction:ltr"><br></p><p style=";text-align:left;direction:ltr">In recent hours, news of the death of renowned Syrian artist Bassam Kousa has spread across social media. The news quickly sparked a wave of concern and controversy among the public, especially since it originated from fake pages with no credibility.<br> Get the latest <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://sbsial.com/ar/features/celebrity-ads">celebrity ads</a> directly on the Special app, where we show you everything new from international stars. <br></p><figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1202/676;" src="https://cdn.sbisiali.com/news/images/41e93085-8157-4ccb-9e1a-b5154ab03a3e.jpeg" alt=""></figure><p style=";text-align:left;direction:ltr"><br></p><h2 style=";text-align:left;direction:ltr"> <span style="color:hsl(187, 48%, 51%);">Angry reactions from Bassam Kousa's fans</span></h2><p style=";text-align:left;direction:ltr"></p><p style=";text-align:left;direction:ltr"> As soon as the rumor spread, digital platforms were flooded with comments from the artist's fans, who expressed their deep dismay at the recurrence of this type of fabricated news. Many criticized the reliance of some on publishing news that touches on people's lives without verifying it with official sources or close friends.<br><br></p><h2 style=";text-align:left;direction:ltr"> <span style="color:hsl(187, 48%, 51%);">A categorical denial of the rumor and widespread interaction on social media</span></h2><p style=";text-align:left;direction:ltr"></p><p style=";text-align:left;direction:ltr"> Hours after the "fake news" was circulated, it was revealed to be completely baseless, and the rumor was categorically denied. This denial did not prevent continued interaction, with opinions divided between those calling for the rumor-mongers to be held accountable, and others calling for stricter oversight of digital content related to celebrities. <br><br></p><figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1280/720;" src="https://cdn.sbisiali.com/news/images/3ffae195-4a3e-4348-8688-b48bc70b4fb8.jpg" alt=""></figure><h2 style=";text-align:left;direction:ltr"> <span style="color:hsl(187, 48%, 51%);">Not the first time: Recurring rumors about the artist</span></h2><p style=";text-align:left;direction:ltr"></p><p style=";text-align:left;direction:ltr"> Remarkably, this rumor is not new. Bassam Kousa's death was previously reported in 2012, allegedly due to a heart attack. It was then repeated in August 2022, with claims that he died as a result of contracting the coronavirus. Each time, time proves these claims false.<br><br></p><h2 style=";text-align:left;direction:ltr"> <span style="color:hsl(187, 48%, 51%);">Another rumor: He was appointed head of the Syrian Artists Syndicate.</span></h2><p style=";text-align:left;direction:ltr"></p><p style=";text-align:left;direction:ltr"> The rumors didn't stop at the news of the artist's death. Reports also surfaced that he had asked "Syrian Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa" to appoint him head of the Syrian Artists Syndicate. This prompted Bassam Kousa to respond briefly on his Instagram account, saying, "The news is false," without providing any further details.<br> <span style="font-size:١٫٠٠em;">Enjoy interesting and useful content with</span> an exclusive <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://sbsial.com/ar/features/podcast-and-voice-recording"><span style="font-size:١٫٠٠em;">podcast</span></a> <span style="font-size:١٫٠٠em;">that provides you with everything you need to know in just a few minutes via the Special app.</span> <br></p><figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:739/415;" src="https://cdn.sbisiali.com/news/images/7f45a460-0212-4331-8771-7b6e407db4d7.jpeg" alt=""></figure><h2 style=";text-align:left;direction:ltr"> <span style="color:hsl(187, 48%, 51%);font-size:١٫٠٠em;">Calls to combat misleading news on social media</span></h2><h2 style=";text-align:left;direction:ltr"></h2><p style=";text-align:left;direction:ltr"> <span style="font-size:١٫٠٠em;">In light of these events, there are renewed calls from the public and intellectuals for the enactment of strict laws criminalizing the spread of rumors, particularly those that affect the lives and reputations of individuals, especially when they involve public figures with wide followings and influence in society.</span></p>