Prominent Syrian singer George Wassouf praises Assad

Prominent Syrian singer George Wassouf said President Bashar al-Assad is good hearted, showing his support to the controversial leader, Lebanon’s The Daily Star reported Friday.

“President Assad has a good heart and he doesn't like bloodshed. There are a lot of mistakes in the regime but Bashar Assad is no criminal but he loves art and helps people,” Wassouf said during an televized interview due to be aired this week, reported the news website.

“He [Assad] was born into a rich family and doesn't need to steal but help people,” he added.

The 52-year-old esteemed singer, known for his unique singing style and renowned contribution to the industry in the Arab world, expressed hope for demolished churches to be rebuilt in Syria, adding that the country’s crisis would be resolved if the U.S. and Russia came to an agreement.

Wassouf had been out of the spotlight for several years due to health problems, he reportedly also struggles with drug addiction, but his popularity continued through his music.

During his absence, the Syrian government had been allegedly paying for his medical expenses, reported the Daily Star.

The crisis in Syria is now well into its third year. It started as an uprising against the Assad ruling family, but soon escalated into a violent civil war that has killed over 150,000, and forced millions to flee their homes.

During these years, many Syrian singers, actors and other popular figures took public stances for or against Assad.

"Whoever loves his country should in turn love its president. And whoever does not have good intentions for his community, would never have some for anyone. No Syrian can kill another Syrian,” Wassouf said when asked about artists who have criticized the president.

Wassouf started singing at the age of 10; he developed his career and expanded his popularity from Lebanon throughout the region. He is known by some by the honorific title of “Sultan al-Tarab.”

Syria is set to hold new presidential elections, in which Assad is running for yet another term of presidency.

Wassouf, who still resides in Lebanon, signaled he would not be traveling to Syria to cast his vote.

“I voted without voting,” he said.