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L’Iranien Raisi félicite Assad pour sa “victoire” lors d’une rare visite en Syrie

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Le président iranien en visite Ebrahim Raisi a félicité mercredi le Syrien Bachar al-Assad pour avoir surmonté les sanctions et remporté la “victoire” dans la guerre civile qui dure depuis 12 ans dans le pays, dans laquelle Téhéran a été un allié majeur.

Téhéran a fourni un soutien économique, politique et militaire à la Syrie, aidant Damas à récupérer le territoire perdu et se positionnant dans un rôle de premier plan alors que le président Assad cherche à se concentrer sur la reconstruction.

“Le gouvernement et le peuple syriens ont traversé de grandes difficultés, et aujourd’hui nous pouvons dire que vous avez surmonté tous ces problèmes et obtenu la victoire malgré les menaces et les sanctions qui vous sont imposées”, a déclaré Raisi à Assad, selon un communiqué de la présidence syrienne et de l’Iran. Agence de presse IRNA.

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Assad a déclaré à Raisi que les relations syro-iraniennes « étaient stables et régulières pendant les périodes difficiles malgré les fortes tempêtes politiques et sécuritaires qui ont frappé le Moyen-Orient », selon le communiqué.

Assad a accueilli Raisi pour la première visite d’un président iranien en Syrie depuis le début de la guerre, à un moment où de plus en plus de capitales régionales renouent avec le gouvernement internationalement isolé de Damas.

La visite de deux jours intervient quelques semaines seulement après l’accord historique de l’Iran, négocié par la Chine, pour rétablir les relations avec son rival régional, l’Arabie saoudite, qui a déclenché une vague de diplomatie au Moyen-Orient.

“Au cours de ce voyage, nous tiendrons des consultations pour renforcer et améliorer les relations économiques, politiques et de sécurité”, a déclaré Raisi avant de quitter Téhéran, selon le site Internet de la présidence iranienne, ajoutant que les liens entre la Syrie et l’Iran étaient “complètement stratégiques”.

La présidence syrienne a déclaré qu’un certain nombre d’accords seraient signés entre les deux pays, qui restent sous le coup de lourdes sanctions occidentales.

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L’importante délégation iranienne comprend les ministres des affaires étrangères, de la défense, du pétrole, des routes et de l’urbanisme ainsi que des télécommunications.

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Les forces de sécurité ont été massivement déployées dans des parties clés de la capitale syrienne, tandis que des panneaux d’affichage avec des portraits des deux présidents indiquant “bienvenue” en arabe et en farsi bordaient la route de l’aéroport.

Des drapeaux syriens et iraniens ont également flotté le long de la route menant au mausolée de Sayyida Zeinab au sud de Damas, un lieu de pèlerinage vénéré pour les musulmans chiites que Raisi devait visiter.

Le dernier président iranien à se rendre à Damas était Mahmoud Ahmadinejad en septembre 2010.

Assad s’est officiellement rendu à Téhéran à deux reprises depuis le début de la guerre, la dernière fois en mai 2022.

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Le porte-parole du gouvernement iranien, Ali Bahadori Jahromi, a déclaré mardi que “les deux pays sont prêts pour le plus haut niveau de coopération”.

“Le but de ce voyage est économique”, a-t-il dit, ajoutant que les deux pays pourraient aussi “coopérer” à la reconstruction de la Syrie.

Le journal pro-gouvernemental syrien Al-Watan a rapporté que des accords sur “l’énergie et l’électricité” faisaient partie “d’un grand nombre d’accords et de protocoles d’accord” qui devraient être signés.

Il y aurait également “des discussions sur une nouvelle ligne de crédit iranienne pour la Syrie pour des investissements dans le secteur de l’électricité”, ajoute le quotidien, dans un pays où les pannes d’électricité peuvent durer environ 20 heures par jour.

En janvier 2019, la Syrie et l’Iran ont signé 11 accords et mémorandums, notamment sur la “coopération économique stratégique à long terme”.

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L’analyste basé à Damas Osama Danura a déclaré que cette visite “ouvrira une nouvelle page dans les relations étroites entre les deux pays”, notant que l’Iran “s’est fortement présenté comme un contributeur à la phase de reconstruction”.

‘Plus approprié’

La guerre en Syrie a fait plus de 500 000 morts, déplacé des millions de personnes et ravagé les infrastructures et l’industrie du pays.

Le gouvernement a repris le contrôle de la majeure partie du pays, mais de grandes parties du nord restent toujours hors de sa portée.

L’atmosphère régionale qui a suivi le rapprochement saoudo-iranien a rendu la visite de Raisi “plus appropriée”, a ajouté Danura.

Assad espère que la normalisation complète des liens avec les riches monarchies du Golfe et d’autres États arabes contribuera également à financer la reconstruction.

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En avril, le ministre saoudien des Affaires étrangères, le prince Faisal bin Farhan, a effectué la première visite à Damas d’un responsable saoudien depuis le début de la guerre.

Sur le terrain, des groupes soutenus par l’Iran, dont le Hezbollah libanais, continuent de renforcer les forces d’Assad, tandis que l’Iran affirme ne déployer que des conseillers militaires en Syrie.

L’analyste Danura a déclaré qu’il s’attendait également à ce que les relations syro-turques soient discutées.

Téhéran a participé à des pourparlers quadripartites avec Damas, Moscou et Ankara visant à réparer les liens syro-turcs, qui ont été rompus au début du conflit.

(AFP)

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Belgium’s forced adoption scandal: Victims on lifelong quest for truth

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REPORTERS

REPORTERS © FRANCE 24

From the post-war period until the mid-1980s, thousands of children were forcibly taken from their young Belgian mothers and sold to adoptive families by Catholic institutions. Today, many victims are desperately trying to trace their origins and demanding answers from those responsible for this scandal. Our correspondent Alix Le Bourdon reports from France and Belgium.

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Fraudsters are using AI to churn out fake IDs before selling them to under-18s for as little as £12 – and experts say supermarkets, pubs and airports need to be on ‘red alert’

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Fraudsters are using the latest AI technology to churn out masses of high-quality fake IDs in just minutes, a report has warned.

Yoti, which provides facial estimation systems for British supermarkets and pubs to check users are over-18, said the forgeries were so ‘sophisticated’ they were hard to spot.

The British firm highlighted an underground website called Onlyfake that used the technology behind chatbots to create ‘highly convincing’ AI-generated IDs for just £12.

With a reported 20,000 being produced every day, an investigation found they were good enough to bypass an online trading platform’s strict verification system.

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Security experts said supermarkets, pubs, and airports would also need to be on ‘ red alert’ – warning many were ‘woefully unprepared to deal with this threat’.

Fraudsters are using the latest AI technology to churn out masses of high-quality fake IDs in just minutes, a report has warned

Fraudsters are using the latest AI technology to churn out masses of high-quality fake IDs in just minutes, a report has warned

Fraudsters are using the latest AI technology to churn out masses of high-quality fake IDs in just minutes, a report has warned

It has sparked further fears known-scammers could use them to get past strict checks to work in finance again or convicted offenders to work with children.

Yoti uses cutting-edge facial estimation technology to determine someone’s age within 18 month using just a picture with near 100 per cent accuracy.

Major British supermarkets – including Tesco, Asda and Morrisons – already have it installed in their self-service checkouts to ensure people buying alcohol are over-18.

In its first annual Identity Fraud Report, Yoti said its security centre had recorded a noticeable rise in counterfeit documents and impersonation attempts over the past year.

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They said scammers were increasingly taking advantage of ‘this low hanging fruit’, which ‘for little effort and low cost, someone could create a fake document image in minutes.’

A recent investigation found an underground website called OnlyFake boasting it was producing 20,000 images of counterfeit IDs every day, which could be ready for order ‘near instantly’.

Yoti, which provides facial estimation systems for British supermarkets and pubs to check users are over-18, said the forgeries were so 'sophisticated' they were hard to spot

Yoti, which provides facial estimation systems for British supermarkets and pubs to check users are over-18, said the forgeries were so 'sophisticated' they were hard to spot

Yoti, which provides facial estimation systems for British supermarkets and pubs to check users are over-18, said the forgeries were so ‘sophisticated’ they were hard to spot

For just £12, it provided an AI-generated photo of a US driving license with the name, bio, address, expiration date and signature the reporter had asked for.

To make it look more real, the AI also created a carpet background to make it appear as though it had been taken in the owner’s house.

They then used it to successfully pass a strict verification process on a cryptocurrency exchange, which had appeared in several court records due to its use by criminals.

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On its Telegram account, the site boasted it created up to 20,000 documents a day – fuelling fears the practice could be streamlining bank fraud and money laundry.

Suid Adeyanju, chief executive of cybersecurity firm RiverSafe, said: ‘Generative AI is set to fuel a tidal wave of highly effective scams and the reality is that many organisations are woefully unprepared to deal with this threat.

‘In the wrong hands this technology will equip fraudsters with the tools they need to accelerate criminal activity, falsifying documents, including bank cards and passports.

‘Supermarkets, pubs, and airports all need to be on red alert for highly convincing fake ID and have the tools and training in place to spot it.’

Derek Mackenzie, chief executive of financial and technology recruitment specialists Investigo, said: ‘Fake IDs could also pose substantial risks when it comes to background checks and jobs in sensitive industries which require security clearance’

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He added: ‘Cheap, easy to use and fast; Generative AI is an incredibly dangerous tool in the hands of fraudsters.

‘That’s why it’s vital that businesses of all sizes equip themselves with the latest digital skills, to help recognise potential scams and keep criminals at bay.’

Yoti said it has cutting-edge technology in place to protect against fraudsters, such as a ‘liveness’ feature, which ensures the person verifying themselves with a selfie is really there and not using a printed or digital photo, video or mask.

The company said it also had a 150-strong human team of ‘super recognisers’ to fall back on when its computer systems couldn’t be completely certain, alongside a 24/7 dedicated counter fraud team.

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Interest rate cuts still ‘a long way off’ despite falling inflation, warns top Bank of England official

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Interest rate cuts should still be ‘a long way off’ despite falling inflation, a key Bank of England official has warned.

Jonathan Haskel said the drop to 3.4 per cent was ‘very good news’ but rate-setters are instead focused on ‘the persistent and the underlying inflation’.

‘I think cuts are a long way off,’ he told the Financial Times. The comments will dampen hopes over the timing of a rate cut.

Cautious: Rate-setting committee-member Jonathan Haskel (pictured) said the drop in inflation to 3.4% was ‘very good news’ but ‘not informative about what we really care about’

Cautious: Rate-setting committee-member Jonathan Haskel (pictured) said the drop in inflation to 3.4% was ‘very good news’ but ‘not informative about what we really care about’

Cautious: Rate-setting committee-member Jonathan Haskel (pictured) said the drop in inflation to 3.4% was ‘very good news’ but ‘not informative about what we really care about’

Interest rates have been hiked to 5.25 per cent as the Bank of England battled inflation. 

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But hopes of a cut have been raised as inflation falls and Bank Governor Andrew Bailey said ‘things are moving in the right direction’. 

They have also been stoked by the retreat of the two most hawkish rate-setting committee members – Haskel and Catherine Mann.

This week, Mann said markets were ‘pricing in too many cuts’. By last night, bets on a June rate cut had faded and August was seen as more likely.

Figures from the Office for National Statistics yesterday confirmed that the economy shrank for two successive quarters at the end of last year – meeting the technical definition of recession. 

Over the six-month period, the decline was 0.4 per cent.

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When will interest rates fall?

Economists are divided on exactly when rates will fall and by how much but most expect a series of cuts this year.

Bank of England governor Andrew Bailey said that he was not against cuts arriving in 2024, in an interview with the FT last week. But other MPC members will need convincing and in the last meeting just one vote for a cut. 

Future falls: Capital Economics is forecasting the the bank rate will be cut to 3% in 2025

Future falls: Capital Economics is forecasting the the bank rate will be cut to 3% in 2025

Future falls: Capital Economics is forecasting the the bank rate will be cut to 3% in 2025

The Bank of England will cut the base rate to around 3 per cent by in 2025, according to the latest forecasts from Capital Economics.

Wider market expectations continue to also all point towards the Bank of England cutting the base rate later in 2024, albeit they have been revised up since the start of the year.

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At the start of this year, investors were betting rates could be cut to 3.75 per cent by Christmas.

But it is now thought rates will fall to just 4.5 per cent this year – with the first move expected to come in June.

> Read more: When will interest rates start to fall 

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Thai PM Srettha Thavisin believes in a ‘more democratic’ future for Thailand

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Srettha Thavisin became Thailand’s prime minister in August 2023, putting an end to nine years of the country’s military dominating its politics. In an exclusive interview with FRANCE 24, the businessman-turned-politician said he “truly believes” the future of Thailand will be more democratic. 

Will the future of Thailand be more democratic than the past? “Yes I truly believe [so],” the Thai premier told FRANCE 24 in the northern city of Chiang Mai.

Thavisin is the country’s first civilian prime minister in nine years. The army’s coup in 2014 overthrew the democratically elected government at the time. “I can’t worry for things I have no control [of],” he replied when asked about the risk of another coup. “My goal is clearly to make the lives of the Thai people better.”

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Turning to the conflict in neighbouring Myanmar, Thavisin asserted that “at the moment”, it “hasn’t reached the point where there is a full civil war”.

“The first word we should discuss is humanitarian assistance,” he added. “If there are people who need help, then we will help them.”

The Thai premier also spoke about a “four-eyes meeting” with French President Emmanuel Macron on March 11, in which the two leaders discussed the war in Ukraine. 

“I think he (Russian President Vladimir Putin) wouldn’t dare to invade other nations,” Thavisin said.

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With a wet Easter looming, we round up the 20 best last-minute bargains to sunnier climes – from beach holidays to far-flung adventures – that could save you thousands of pounds

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With the Easter holidays looking like a washout, perhaps it’s time to escape to fairer shores and warmer climes. 

And there are plenty of deals to be had from last-minute skiing breaks to European beach holidays and far-flung adventures. 

Here we round up 20 of the best offers for travel this Easter.

Save £400 when you slope off 

The Chalet Renard in Val Thorens has access to a heated swimming pool

The Chalet Renard in Val Thorens has access to a heated swimming pool

The Chalet Renard in Val Thorens has access to a heated swimming pool

Head for Val Thorens, Europe’s highest skiing resort, for a week full-board, including flights, in Ski Beat’s apartment Chalet Renard from £999pp. The property has access to a heated swimming pool, sauna, hammam and Jacuzzi. (skibeat.co.uk)

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Save £385 on a sea view

The Jumeiran Port Soller Hotel and Spa in Majorca

The Jumeiran Port Soller Hotel and Spa in Majorca

The Jumeiran Port Soller Hotel and Spa in Majorca

Spend four nights B&B at the Jumeiran Port Soller Hotel & Spa in Majorca from £2,220pp, including flights. The offer includes complementary access to the coastal resort’s spa. Book for travel from now until November 4 by April 30. (elegantresorts.co.uk)

Save 30% on bobbing along

Le Boat offers a self-catered trip in Alsace Lorraine

Le Boat offers a self-catered trip in Alsace Lorraine

Le Boat offers a self-catered trip in Alsace Lorraine

Le Boat is currently offering 30 per cent off all holidays departing in March, April and May 2024 if booked by April 2. A seven-night self-catered trip in Alsace Lorraine on board Caprice, which sleeps six, is from £1,479. Flights are excluded. (leboat.co.uk)

Save 50% on a family favourite

Dubai's Jumeirah Zabeel hotel, where kids stay free on breaks between March 31 and April 10

Dubai's Jumeirah Zabeel hotel, where kids stay free on breaks between March 31 and April 10

Dubai’s Jumeirah Zabeel hotel, where kids stay free on breaks between March 31 and April 10

Children stay free at Dubai’s Jumeirah Zabeel on breaks booked by March 31 for stays until April 10. Five nights half-board, with complementary passes to Dubai Parks and Resorts, is from £4,059 per family (two adults and one child under 12), including flights.

Save £600 on an island dream

The Great House hotel in Antigua

The Great House hotel in Antigua

The Great House hotel in Antigua

The Great House hotel is situated in the last stone plantation house in Antigua, which is 350 years old. Seven nights half-board is now from £1,659pp including flights if booked by March 31 for stays from now until December 19.

Save £132 on a Greek treat

The Parthenon dominates the Athens skyline

The Parthenon dominates the Athens skyline

The Parthenon dominates the Athens skyline

Olympic Holidays is offering seven nights B&B at the Athens Key Hotel from £735pp including flights from Manchester on April 11. The city centre boutique hotel is a great base from which to explore the Greek capital’s many attractions. (olympicholidays.com)

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Save £334 when you call in to the Canaries

The Playa Park Zensation in Fuerteventura

The Playa Park Zensation in Fuerteventura

The Playa Park Zensation in Fuerteventura

Flop by the pool for a week all-inclusive at Fuerteventura’s Playa Park Zensation from £529pp, including flights from Luton, Stansted, Birmingham, Leeds Bradford or Newcastle on selected dates between April 12 and May 17. (travelzoo.com)

Save 20% on the Inca Trail

Machu Picchu in Peru

Machu Picchu in Peru

Machu Picchu in Peru

Visit Machu Picchu on foot or a relaxed train ride, explore the Amazon rainforest, stroll the historic streets of Cusco and enjoy a homestay on Lake Titicaca during this 15-day trip around Peru and Bolivia which is from £2,190pp on April 2, flights excluded. (intrepid.com)

Save 30% on tempting Thailand

The Banyan Tree in Phuket has plenty to keep the whole family busy

The Banyan Tree in Phuket has plenty to keep the whole family busy

The Banyan Tree in Phuket has plenty to keep the whole family busy

The Banyan Tree in Phuket has private pool villas and plenty to keep the whole family busy from watersports to bike rides, tennis and a children’s club. Seven nights B&B is now from £2,064pp including flights from Heathrow for travel between April 11 and October 31, if booked by May 12. (inspiringtravel.co.uk)

Save 25% on Maldives magic

The Kuredu Resort in the Maldives

The Kuredu Resort in the Maldives

The Kuredu Resort in the Maldives

Seven nights full-board at the Kuredu Resort in the Maldives is from £3,465 per couple, including flights from Heathrow, if booked by March 31 for travel between now and April 11. Departures from Glasgow for the same dates are from £3,551 per couple. (awayholidays.co.uk)

Save £345 on a Benidorm break

The Terralta Apartments in Benidorm is from £248pp for seven nights self-catering

The Terralta Apartments in Benidorm is from £248pp for seven nights self-catering

The Terralta Apartments in Benidorm is from £248pp for seven nights self-catering

Head to the Costa Blanca for seven nights self-catering at Terralta Apartments in Benidorm is from £248pp including flights from Gatwick on April 9. Poniente Beach is just a 15-minute walk away. (tui.co.uk)

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Save £334 on a Cypriot escape

Kefalos Beach Tourist Village in Paphos overlooks the sea

Kefalos Beach Tourist Village in Paphos overlooks the sea

Kefalos Beach Tourist Village in Paphos overlooks the sea

Seven nights B&B at Kefalos Beach Tourist Village in Paphos, Cyprus, is from £563pp including flights from Cardiff on April 3. The resort overlooks the sea and is a short walk from the Paphos promenade with its bars and restaurants. (firstchoice.co.uk)

Save £427 on Alpine skiing

Base yourself in Chalet Caribou for more skiing in Val Thorens

Base yourself in Chalet Caribou for more skiing in Val Thorens

Base yourself in Chalet Caribou for more skiing in Val Thorens

Depart for the French Alps on April 6 for a week’s skiing in Chalet Caribou, Val Thorens, which is now from £999pp including flights. The price is based on two sharing with chalet hosts preparing breakfasts, afternoon tea and three-course evening meals with wine. (skibeat.co.uk)

Save £243 on a Philippines tour

The island of Palawan in the Philippines offers snorkelling and kayaking

The island of Palawan in the Philippines offers snorkelling and kayaking

The island of Palawan in the Philippines offers snorkelling and kayaking

This eight-day trip, which takes in the island of Palawan in the Philippines, is now from £1,377pp excluding flights on April 11. Activities include snorkelling, relaxing on the beach, kayaking and wandering around the town of El Nido. (responsibletravel.com)

Save 25% in the global sale

The seven-day escorted tour with Gadventures begins Paris and ends in Rome

The seven-day escorted tour with Gadventures begins Paris and ends in Rome

The seven-day escorted tour with Gadventures begins Paris and ends in Rome

Escorted tour company Gadventures is offering up to 25 per cent off trips across the world until the end of April. A seven-day trip from Paris to Rome, via Interlaken in Switzerland, is from £959pp on April 7 excluding flights. (Gadventures.com)

Save £100 on an adults only stay

The picturesque waterfront in Sorrento, Italy

The picturesque waterfront in Sorrento, Italy

The picturesque waterfront in Sorrento, Italy

Seven nights all-inclusive at the Grand Hotel La Pace in Italy’s Sorrento is now from £522pp, including flights from Stansted on April 8. The resort offers complementary shuttle buses into the centre of Sorrento. (jet2holidays.com)

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Save £690 on an oceanfront apartment

The Marina Bayview apartments in Puerto Rico, Gran Canaria

The Marina Bayview apartments in Puerto Rico, Gran Canaria

The Marina Bayview apartments in Puerto Rico, Gran Canaria

Seven nights self-catering in a one-bedroom apartment at Marina Bayview is now from £685pp, including flights from Bristol on April 8. The apartment complex has a pool and is in Gran Canaria’s Puerto Rico. (easyjet.com)

Save £120 on parks and rides

Walt Disney World in Florida

Walt Disney World in Florida

Walt Disney World in Florida

Just three miles from the gates of Walt Disney World, Red Lion Lake Buena Vista is a new resort perfect for exploring Orlando’s theme parks. A whopping 11-nights room-only is now from £1,028pp including flights on April 9. (virginholidays.co.uk)

Save £450 on a twin break

A street market in Hanoi, Vietnam

A street market in Hanoi, Vietnam

A street market in Hanoi, Vietnam

Explore the highlights of Vietnam and Cambodia, including Hanoi, Phnom Penh, Ha Long Bay and Hoi An, on this 14-day trip which departs on April 8. Prices from £1,899pp, excluding flights. (exodus.co.uk)

Save 25% in St Lucia

The East Winds all-inclusive resort in St Lucia

The East Winds all-inclusive resort in St Lucia

The East Winds all-inclusive resort in St Lucia

East Winds is an all-inclusive resort in St Lucia, overlooking a private beach, with 26 cottage-style suites and villas. Seven nights all-inclusive is now from £2,516pp including flights if booked for travel any time this year. (simplystluciaholidays.co.uk)

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Oscar-winner ‘Oppenheimer’ opens in Japan after months of nuclear theme concerns

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Oscar best picture winner “Oppenheimer” was finally released on Friday in Japan, where its subject — the man who masterminded the creation of the atomic bomb — is a highly sensitive and emotional topic.

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The US blockbuster hit screened in the United States and many other countries in July at the same time as “Barbie”, inspiring a viral phenomenon dubbed “Barbenheimer” by moviegoers.

But while “Barbie” was released in Japan in August, “Oppenheimer” was conspicuously absent from cinemas for months.

No official explanation was offered at the time, fuelling speculation the film was too controversial to be shown in Japan — the only country to have ever suffered a wartime nuclear attack.

Around 140,000 people died in Hiroshima and 74,000 in Nagasaki when the United States dropped atomic bombs on the cities in August 1945, days before the end of World War II.

Japan is the only country to have suffered a wartime nuclear attack
Japan is the only country to have suffered a wartime nuclear attack. © Kazuhiro Nogi / AFP

At a large cinema in central Tokyo where “Oppenheimer” was showing on Friday, there was none of the prominent promotional material that might be expected for a global megahit.

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Instead only one small poster advertised the film, which was shot on a $100 million budget and collected nearly $1 billion at box offices worldwide.

“It is a long, three-hour movie, but I watched it attentively, because it was so powerful,” audience member Masayuki Hayashi, 51, told AFP after the film.

Japanese distributors may have chosen to avoid a summer release close to the bombings’ anniversary, said 65-year-old Tatsuhisa Yue.

But “it would have been unthinkable if a movie which describes how the weapon was developed didn’t show here”, he said.

“The movie arrived late, but I think it was good that it finally opened in Japan.”

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‘America-centric’

The film tells the story of US physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer, who oversaw the bomb’s invention.

It drew rave reviews and was the most decorated title at this month’s Oscars, scooping seven awards including best director for Christopher Nolan and best actor for star Cillian Murphy.

But in Hiroshima, the city devastated by the first nuclear bomb, the biopic’s Academy Awards success met a mixed reaction.

'Oppenheimer' stars Irish actor Cillian Murphy
‘Oppenheimer’ stars Irish actor Cillian Murphy. © Robyn Beck / AFP

Kyoko Heya, president of the city’s international film festival, told AFP after the awards ceremony that she had found Nolan’s movie “very America-centric”.

“Is this really a movie that people in Hiroshima can bear to watch?” she asked.

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Today the city is a thriving metropolis of 1.2 million people, but the ruins of a domed building still stand as a stark reminder of the horrors of the attack, along with a museum and other sombre memorials.

Heya said that after much reflection, “I now want many people to watch the movie.”

“I’d be happy to see Hiroshima, Nagasaki and atomic weapons become the subject of discussions thanks to this movie,” she said.

Last year, viral “Barbenheimer” memes sparked anger online in Japan, where media reports have highlighted critics who say the film does not show the harm caused by the bombs.

Around 140,000 people died in Hiroshima and 74,000 in Nagasaki when the United States dropped atomic bombs on the cities in 1945
Around 140,000 people died in Hiroshima and 74,000 in Nagasaki when the United States dropped atomic bombs on the cities in 1945. © Kazuhiro Nogi / AFP

“There could have been much more description and depiction of the horror of atomic weapons,” bomb survivor and former Hiroshima mayor Takashi Hiraoka, 96, said at a special screening in the city earlier this month.

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“Oppenheimer” was also shown at a preview event in Nagasaki, where survivor Masao Tomonaga, 80, said he had been impressed by the movie.

“I had thought the film’s lack of… images of atomic bomb survivors was a weakness,” said Tomonaga, who was two when the second bomb was dropped and later became a professor studying leukaemia caused by the attacks.

“But in fact, Oppenheimer’s lines in dozens of scenes showed his shock at the reality of the atomic bombing. That was enough for me.”

(AFP)

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NHS will probe unprecedented rise in children and adults being told they have ADHD amid fears mental disorder is being overdiagnosed

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The NHS is launching a new taskforce to examine a concerning rise in adults and children being diagnosed with ADHD.

Experts have warned rogue private clinics are over-diagnosing the condition and have questioned the widespread prescribing of powerful stimulant drugs to treat it.

The booming market is thought to have been fuelled by celebrities such as model Katie Price, Love Island star Olivia Attwood and actress Sheridan Smith talking about their ADHD ordeal and waits of up to ten years for an assessment on the NHS.

Social media sites are also full of users telling how medication helped to calm them down, control their fidgeting and boost their concentration.

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Sheridan Smith, 42, has revealed she has been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (pictured in 2023)

Sheridan Smith, 42, has revealed she has been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (pictured in 2023)

Sheridan Smith, 42, has revealed she has been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (pictured in 2023)

Former Bake Off host Sue Perkins last year shared that she had been diagnosed and that 'suddenly everything made sense - to me and those who love me'

Former Bake Off host Sue Perkins last year shared that she had been diagnosed and that 'suddenly everything made sense - to me and those who love me'
Love Island's Olivia Atwood (right) said ADHD made her 'constantly overwhelmed'

Love Island's Olivia Atwood (right) said ADHD made her 'constantly overwhelmed'

Former Bake Off host Sue Perkins (left) last year shared that she had been diagnosed and that ‘suddenly everything made sense – to me and those who love me’. Love Island’s Olivia Atwood (right) said ADHD made her ‘constantly overwhelmed’

The number of patients on medication for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder has doubled in six years, with 230,000 in England taking the drugs last year.

The biggest rise has been in young adults, with treatment increasing five-fold among those aged 25 to 39 since 2015.

The taskforce will bring together leaders from health, education and justice to better understand how many people are affected and how to improve their care.

They will investigate ‘the rate of growth within the independent sector and the potential variation in the service models and thresholds being used’, and collect data to ‘fully understand the size of the challenge’.

Officials say an initial review identified issues with capacity, medication supply shortages, a lack of reliable data and a postcode lottery in services.

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However, critics say the taskforce may lead to even more people coming forward for a diagnosis, heaping further pressure on the NHS and leading them to pop pills that can be dangerous for the heart and raise the risk of Parkinson’s disease.

NHS England announced the launch of the taskforce at a board meeting yesterday, where Professor Sir Simon Wessely, a consultant psychiatrist, described the increase in adult ADHD as ‘remarkable’.

He said: ‘It’s unlikely that a change on that scale is simply due to better recognition or help-seeking, and it suggests that there’s a degree of diagnostic creep going on, or re-evaluation of feelings, symptoms, emotions.

‘The main problem has been waiting lists. To get a diagnosis of ADHD it is absolutely essential you have a multidisciplinary assessment because there are many other issues that could be going on.

Fascinating graphs show how ADHD prescriptions have risen over time, with the patient demographic shifting from children to adults with women in particular now driving the increase

Fascinating graphs show how ADHD prescriptions have risen over time, with the patient demographic shifting from children to adults with women in particular now driving the increase

Fascinating graphs show how ADHD prescriptions have risen over time, with the patient demographic shifting from children to adults with women in particular now driving the increase

‘That’s failing at the moment. A lot of people are waiting too long and are being diverted into private practice and private providers, some of whom do not have the standards that we would expect and seem to make the diagnosis incredibly easy.

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‘People now have a label which may or may not be correct. That’s where some of the problems we’re seeing at the moment are coming from.

‘When you see this remarkable change in a very short period of time, you need to think not just about increased awareness, but also about cultural and social factors.’

Professor Wessely added it was important to remember that ADHD medication can have ‘severe side effects’ and ‘we need to proceed with caution’.

The World Health Organization defines ADHD as being a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that has a direct negative impact on academic, occupational, or social functioning.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) estimates one in twenty children (5 per cent) and one in 29 adults (3 to 4 per cent) have the condition.

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But NHS England believes the true figure may be higher.

It says it is unable to say how many people have a diagnosis or are waiting for an assessment because it does not have a consistent and complete dataset.

However, ADHD was the second most viewed health condition on the NHS website in 2023, after Covid-19, with 4.3 million page views during the year.

Herefordshire and Worcestershire integrated care board warned in board papers last July of ‘exceptionally high waiting times’ for ADHD assessment and treatment of ’10 years+’.

And a separate survey the same month showed children in Coventry and Warwickshire are waiting an average of 142 weeks (almost three years) for all neurodiverse first appointments, which covers ADHD and autism.

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Last year, Johnny Vegas (left) admitted he was in the 'early stages' of working through medication, after he was diagnosed with ADHD

Last year, Johnny Vegas (left) admitted he was in the 'early stages' of working through medication, after he was diagnosed with ADHD
Ben Fogle, who has previously spoken about being dyslexic, revealed this week that he was recently diagnosed with ADHD after a 'recent mental health storm'

Ben Fogle, who has previously spoken about being dyslexic, revealed this week that he was recently diagnosed with ADHD after a 'recent mental health storm'

Last year, Johnny Vegas (left) admitted he was in the ‘early stages’ of working through medication, after he was diagnosed with ADHD. Ben Fogle (right), who has previously spoken about being dyslexic, revealed this week that he was recently diagnosed with ADHD after a ‘recent mental health storm’

Professor Joanna Moncrieff, from University College London, said: ‘I worry that a Taskforce will encourage more people to come forward expecting to get an ADHD diagnosis, when the NHS is already struggling to meet demand.

‘This will not be helpful because ADHD doesn’t explain anything.

‘It is not a disease, it is simply a label for a collection of behaviours that we all have to some extent, and therefore the diagnosis is elastic.

‘There is a real danger that we will end up with a significant proportion of the population taking prescription stimulants, which have not been reliably shown to benefit people in the long-run, and which, like cocaine, have dangerous effects on the heart and can increase the risk of Parkinson’s disease.’

Taskforce members and terms of reference will be published in the coming weeks and it is expected to produce a report later this year.

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Diagnosis of ADHD are driving a surge in the number of children and young adults claiming disability benefits.

What is ADHD?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a behavioural condition defined by inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsiveness.

It affects around five per cent of children in the US. Some 3.6 per cent of boys and 0.85 per cent of girls suffer in the UK. 

Symptoms typically appear at an early age and become more noticeable as a child grows. These can also include:

  • Constant fidgeting 
  • Poor concentration
  • Excessive movement or talking
  • Acting without thinking
  • Inability to deal with stress 
  • Little or no sense of danger 
  • Careless mistakes
  • Mood swings
  • Forgetfulness 
  • Difficulty organising tasks
  •  Continually starting new tasks before finishing old ones
  • Inability to listen or carry out instructions 

Most cases are diagnosed between six and 12 years old. Adults can also suffer, but there is less research into this.

ADHD’s exact cause is unclear but is thought to involve genetic mutations that affect a person’s brain function and structure.

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Premature babies and those with epilepsy or brain damage are more at risk. 

ADHD is also linked to anxiety, depression, insomnia, Tourette’s and epilepsy.  

There is no cure. 

A combination of medication and therapy is usually recommended to relieve symptoms and make day-to-day life easier. 

Source: NHS Choices 

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Some 1.6million children are reported as disabled, a figure that has doubled in little more than a decade and jumped by more than a third since Covid. Claims for behavioural disorders such as ADHD make up a fifth of all claims.

Furthermore, more than 52,000 adults who receive personal independence payments from the government list ADHD as their main condition, with most of these being 16 to 29-year-olds who have been transferred from disability allowance when they reached adulthood. This number is up from 38,000 in 2022.

Amanda Pritchard, chief executive of NHS England, said: ‘NHS staff across the country are working hard to ensure all patients requiring assessments and further support from ADHD services are seen as promptly as possible.

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‘We have recognised that that more needs to be done to ensure people can get a timely diagnosis and importantly, that all of their needs are addressed.

‘This is a hugely complex piece of work and this taskforce will need to consult a wide range of partner and experts, to understand more about the issues impacting those with ADHD and how service provision can be better joined up to meet people’s needs today and in the future.

‘This is a vital first step in helping us achieve real improvements in the ADHD services that the NHS and the independent sector provides.’

Henry Shelford, chief executive of ADHD UK, said he is celebrating the announcement, which he described as a ‘big deal’.

He said there are 2.6 million people with ADHD in the UK, waiting lists for adults range from 12 weeks to 10.5 years and those for children from 5 weeks to 5 years.

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Henry added: ‘We have a hope we didn’t have and it is wonderful.

‘Until very recently NHS England didn’t even have a single individual with responsibility for ADHD so to have them announce a task force is a glorious tectonic change.

‘Entire life trajectories are altered by the waitlists for ADHD care. Lives are being ruined and lost in the current status quo.

‘This taskforce represents the potential for the revolutionary change that is crucially needed.’

Steve Russell, chief delivery officer at NHS England, said: ‘Using the findings from the initial review, we will improve data collection to help us understand the scale of the challenge and work closely with the new cross-sector taskforce to improve pathways for patients with ADHD.’

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Health Secretary Victoria Atkins said: ‘It is vital that people with ADHD not only receive a timely assessment and diagnosis, but also the support they need to live fulfilled lives.

‘We’re already exploring options to improve data collection and reporting on assessment waiting times, and this new taskforce is crucial to support this work to ensure they get faster, simpler and fairer care.

‘A better understanding of the issues facing people with ADHD will help us across Government and the NHS to address them, creating solutions over the long term.’

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International

Palestinians fear further isolation as Israeli minister announces vast West Bank settlement plans

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Palestinian land planner Safa Odeh points to a road in the West Bank.

Palestinian land planner Safa Odeh points in the direction of a road in the West Bank that she says only Israeli settlers can use. © France 24 screengrab

Far-right Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has announced a plan to seize 800 hectares of Palestinian land in the occupied West Bank, the largest land seizure since the 1993 Oslo Accords between Israeli and Palestinian authorities according to NGO Peace Now. FRANCE 24’s Catherine Norris Trent and Claire Duhamel explored the roads around Jerusalem, some of which are included in the planned seizure, and spoke with a Palestinian land planning engineer who said Smotrich’s plan is aimed at “increasing control” in the territory.

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Revealed: Scale of Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s funding into Wrexham laid bare by the club’s astronomical wage bill… after the Hollywood owners admitted they were ‘f****d without National League promotion

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Wrexham paid out £6.9million in wages during their promotional season from the National League as the level of funding from the club’s Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney was revealed in their latest accounts.

The Welsh side were promoted as champions from the National League last season with a record 111 points, after edging Notts County in a head-to-head battle for the one automatic spot.

Reynolds and McElhenney admitted last year they would have been ‘f*****’ if the club had failed to have achieved promotion to League Two.

McElhenney said on the series Welcome To Wrexham: ‘From a financial perspective, if we do not get promoted this year, we are f*****’, to which Reynolds replied, ‘Yep, f***’.’

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‘We’re heavily invested in building this club, the stadium itself, and if we don’t get promoted this year, the club is completely, totally and wholly unsustainable.

Wrexham's Hollywood owners Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds paid out £6.9m in wages during the club's promotion season

Wrexham's Hollywood owners Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds paid out £6.9m in wages during the club's promotion season

Wrexham’s Hollywood owners Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds paid out £6.9m in wages during the club’s promotion season 

Wrexham's latest accounts reveal the level of funding in their promotion season to the EFL

Wrexham's latest accounts reveal the level of funding in their promotion season to the EFL

Wrexham’s latest accounts reveal the level of funding in their promotion season to the EFL

‘So its really ratcheted up the pressure, not just for us but for the players on the field, the people in the community. This year we have to get promoted.’

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The co-owners desperation to secure promotion has been outlined in the club’s financial accounts for the year ending on June 30, 2023.

Wrexham made an overall loss of £5.1million during the National League season, representing a record in the division.

The figure surpassed the previous record loss of Stockport County of £4.8m in their promotion season in 2022, as well as representing a significant increase on the £2.9m loss Wrexham had made the same campaign.

A major increase in the club’s wage bill was a contributing factor with Wrexham paying out £6.9m for the financial year, representing £132,600-a-week.

The wage bill increased by nearly £2.9million from the previous season, where the club finished as runners-up to Stockport County and were beaten in the play-offs.

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Turnover and revenue has increased dramatically since  Always Sunny In Philadelphia creator McElhenney and Deadpool actor Reynolds bought the club for £2million in February 2021.

Turnover increased from £5.972million to £10.478million in the year ending June 30 2023.

Wrexham were promoted as National League champions with a record points tally

Wrexham were promoted as National League champions with a record points tally

Wrexham were promoted as National League champions with a record points tally

The club ended a 15-year exile from the Football League after securing promotion last season

The club ended a 15-year exile from the Football League after securing promotion last season

The club ended a 15-year exile from the Football League after securing promotion last season

The club’s accounts outlined how Wrexham’s overseas fanbase has contributed to the increase in turnover.

Wrexham highlighted a ‘staggering’ increase in its Rest of the World turnover to £2.582m from £657,000 in the 2022 accounts, with UK turnover rising to £7.8million from £5.3million.

Club director Humphrey Ker wrote in the accounts that the club ‘await with interest to see how this ratio changes going forward.’

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Wrexham’s retail operation enjoyed an increase from £3.430m from £1.304m in 2022, while sponsorship rose to £1.883m from £1.053m.

The club’s run to the FA Cup fourth round helped football revenue grow to £1.314m from £0.531m.

The League Two side said that their year-on-year income increases show the potential of the club, stating that this will ‘significantly increase again following promotion and the continued popularity of Welcome to Wrexham’

Wrexham noted that the club needed to be conscious of ensuring that when the Disney+ series comes to an end it can ‘manage the change effectively and still deliver our objectives based on the legacy that has been created.’

A third season of the show is planned for next month.

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‘The amount owed to The RR McReynolds Company, LLC (owned by the two actors) at the year-end was £8.977million (2022: £3.714million),’ a statement from Wrexham said.

The Disney+ series Welcome to Wrexham has helped to increase their overseas fanbase

The Disney+ series Welcome to Wrexham has helped to increase their overseas fanbase

The Disney+ series Welcome to Wrexham has helped to increase their overseas fanbase

‘The financial losses suffered by the club since the takeover shouldn’t be repeated, with income generated by the club now sufficient to meet the operational costs of the club going forward.

‘These losses were deemed necessary to allow the club to maximise its full potential in the shortest time practically possible.

‘The club is under no immediate pressure to repay these loans at the expense of the progress we seek to achieve and further financial support will be provided/secured to support the capital expenditure projects the club is currently planning, which includes increasing the capacity of The Racecourse Ground and the development of a training facility for all the club’s teams.’

Wrexham are in contention to secure a second successive promotion with the club in the automatic promotion places in League Two with seven matches remaining this season.

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The Red Dragons would be required to pay £207,500 to other clubs for the transfer of players should the club achieve promotion this season.

In addition, Wrexham could pay out £509,710 as part of player contracts and bonuses should they be seal a spot in League One.

Wrexham noted that further bonuses may be payable if they club is promotion to the Championship in the future.

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Mom murderer Gypsy Rose Blanchard announces SPLIT from husband Ryan Scott Anderson just three months after release from prison where she wed beau from behind bars

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Gypsy Rose Blanchard and her husband have called it quits on their short-lived marriage just three months after the bride was released from prison.

Blanchard, 32, announced her separation from school teacher Ryan Scott Anderson on a private Facebook account, according to People Magazine.

The sad news comes mere months after Blanchard was released from Chillicothe Correctional Center in Missouri, having served the mandatory seven years of her 10-year sentence for conspiring to kill her mother, Dee Dee, who was stabbed to death by her then-boyfriend Nicholas Godejohn. 

Blanchard and Anderson were married in a jailhouse ceremony in July of 2022. 

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In her Facebook post, Blanchard wrote: ‘People have been asking what is going on in my life. Unfortunately my husband and I are going through a separation and I moved in with my parents home down the bayou. 

‘I have the support of my family and friends to help guide me through this. I am learning to listen to my heart. Right now I need time to let myself find … who I am.’

Gypsy Rose Blanchard and husband Ryan Anderson attend the January premiere of 'The Prison Confessions Of Gypsy Rose Blanchard'

Gypsy Rose Blanchard and husband Ryan Anderson attend the January premiere of 'The Prison Confessions Of Gypsy Rose Blanchard'

Gypsy Rose Blanchard and husband Ryan Anderson attend the January premiere of ‘The Prison Confessions Of Gypsy Rose Blanchard’

The now-separated couple are seen together shopping in Liberty, Missouri the afternoon she was released from prison

The now-separated couple are seen together shopping in Liberty, Missouri the afternoon she was released from prison

The now-separated couple are seen together shopping in Liberty, Missouri the afternoon she was released from prison

Blanchard was sentenced three years ahead of her then-boyfriend Nicholas Godejohn (pictured) who was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to life in prison without parole in 2019. He stabbed Dee Dee Blanchard to death with a knife Gypsy had given him

Blanchard was sentenced three years ahead of her then-boyfriend Nicholas Godejohn (pictured) who was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to life in prison without parole in 2019. He stabbed Dee Dee Blanchard to death with a knife Gypsy had given him

Blanchard was sentenced three years ahead of her then-boyfriend Nicholas Godejohn (pictured) who was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to life in prison without parole in 2019. He stabbed Dee Dee Blanchard to death with a knife Gypsy had given him

Prior to her December release, Blanchard told the outlet that she was planning to marry Anderson – a 37-year-old special ed teacher in Louisiana – a second time once she was a free woman.

‘We do plan on having a reception/redo wedding with all of our family and our friends and the dress and the cake and everything because we deserve that. I deserve that. He deserves that,’ she said.

‘Our prison wedding was just something to where we can make our vows to each other. It was something that meant something to us. And I think the party is kind of for everybody else and us, but mostly for everybody else.’

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At the time of her early release, Blanchard, still a blushing bride, said she was excited about moving in with Anderson.

‘I’ve never lived with a man. I grew up with a mom, so I didn’t even grow up with a dad in the house. So, I’m like, ‘I don’t even know what it’s like to live with a man,’ she said.

Shortly after her release, Blanchard publicly proclaimed her satisfaction with her new-found sex life. While defending her husband from online trolls, she wrote: ‘I love you…besides they jealous because you are rocking my world every night…yeah I said it, the D is fire…happy wife happy life.’

Anderson responded: ‘Who said I gave a damn about what these jealous people say anyway, haha…now come get it Baby…’ 

Blanchard was famously charged with the killing of her mother, Dee Dee Blanchard, who was found dead in 2015. She admitted to second-degree murder. She gave Godejohn a knife to use to stab her mother to death while she hid in the bathroom.

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Godejohn was also arrested and charged for the murder.

For weeks on end, the pair put on increasingly public displays of their affection for one another. They are seen here ringing in the new year

For weeks on end, the pair put on increasingly public displays of their affection for one another. They are seen here ringing in the new year

For weeks on end, the pair put on increasingly public displays of their affection for one another. They are seen here ringing in the new year 

Gypsy Rose (left) with her mother, Dee Dee Blanchard, who was murdered by Gypsy and her then boyfriend in 2015

Gypsy Rose (left) with her mother, Dee Dee Blanchard, who was murdered by Gypsy and her then boyfriend in 2015

Gypsy Rose (left) with her mother, Dee Dee Blanchard, who was murdered by Gypsy and her then boyfriend in 2015

Blanchard and Anderson made the rounds in the days after Blanchard's release. The pair here were spotted in midtown Manhattan during a press day in January

Blanchard and Anderson made the rounds in the days after Blanchard's release. The pair here were spotted in midtown Manhattan during a press day in January

Blanchard and Anderson made the rounds in the days after Blanchard’s release. The pair here were spotted in midtown Manhattan during a press day in January

The seemingly happy couple caused quite a commotion on social media following Blanchard's release, complete with raunchy messages directed at one another left on public accounts

The seemingly happy couple caused quite a commotion on social media following Blanchard's release, complete with raunchy messages directed at one another left on public accounts

The seemingly happy couple caused quite a commotion on social media following Blanchard’s release, complete with raunchy messages directed at one another left on public accounts

Weeks before news of their split, Gypsy defended her husband from the haters online, and in doing so publicly disclosed her satisfaction with their post-prison sex-life

Weeks before news of their split, Gypsy defended her husband from the haters online, and in doing so publicly disclosed her satisfaction with their post-prison sex-life

Weeks before news of their split, Gypsy defended her husband from the haters online, and in doing so publicly disclosed her satisfaction with their post-prison sex-life 

Gypsy was 23 when she was arrested on a second degree murder charge. She is shown in court in 2015

Gypsy was 23 when she was arrested on a second degree murder charge. She is shown in court in 2015

Gypsy was 23 when she was arrested on a second degree murder charge. She is shown in court in 2015 

Dee Dee was found dead on the morning of June 14, 2015, after being knifed 17 times in her sleep by Godejohn, 34, who is serving life in prison without parole. 

Following the arrest of the couple, it became clear that Dee Dee had, for years, subjected her young daughter to unnecessary medical treatments and convinced Gypsy and others that she (Gypsy) had a number of serious diseases.

Attorneys for Blanchard argued she had been the victim of Munchausen syndrome by proxy, a dramatic form of child abuse that involves a guardian inventing, exaggerating, and sometimes inflicting illness on a child to gain sympathy.

Blanchard ultimately pleaded guilty in 2016 and was sentenced to a decade in prison.

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Godejohn received a life sentence without parole in 2019. He was convicted of first degree murder.

Earlier in March, Blanchard posted a video to TikTok in which she apologized to the people who she has ‘offended with a lack of accountability, the first month or so that I was out of prison and the lack of accountability in my interviews, I’m sorry.

‘I’m learning. I take accountability for my part, and I’m saying this right now. I’m taking accountability. I did a bad thing.’

She then abruptly deleted nearly her entire social media presence.

In an interview with ABC shortly after her release, Gypsy said she was addicted to prescription pain killers when she and Godejohn, who she’d met online, concocted Dee Dee’s murder. 

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‘I don’t blame drugs, I don’t blame anything. I don’t make excuses. Now I’m sober, I haven’t used in four years and I don’t feel the need to,’ she said during the interview.

Gypsy's story is one of the more famous examples of Munchausen syndrome by proxy, where a person treats a perfectly healthy dependent as if they have a physical or mental illness

Gypsy's story is one of the more famous examples of Munchausen syndrome by proxy, where a person treats a perfectly healthy dependent as if they have a physical or mental illness

Gypsy’s story is one of the more famous examples of Munchausen syndrome by proxy, where a person treats a perfectly healthy dependent as if they have a physical or mental illness 

The 32-year-old felon turned-reality-star rose to stardom after her story was told in multiple documentaries

The 32-year-old felon turned-reality-star rose to stardom after her story was told in multiple documentaries

The 32-year-old felon turned-reality-star rose to stardom after her story was told in multiple documentaries

After removing any trace of herself from Instagram, she took to TikTok, in a since-deleted video that was reposted by a fan account, to explain why she no longer wanted to live life in the limelight. 

‘So a lot of people already noticed that I already deleted my Instagram – the public one – with the 7.8 million followers when I deactivated it or, I deleted it, I permanently deleted it,’ she said.

Gypsy claimed that she didn’t give a ‘f***’ about the following and said it wasn’t ‘real life’ – before noting that her dad was the one that helped her put things into perspective when it came to her public life. 

She added:  ‘A lot of people are like, “What happened?” and what happened is, I had a really good conversation with my dad and he gave me some guidance that I feel like I really needed. And that guidance was that real life is something you can touch – something you can feel – people you can actually hug.’ 

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The 32-year-old noted that social media now felt like a ‘roadway to hell’ for her – explaining that following her release from prison, she fell under a microscope and people began analyzing everything she did. 

People reported that the move was made on the ‘advisement of her parole officer, so she won’t get in trouble and go back to jail.’

Gypsy’s story is one of the more famous examples of Munchausen syndrome by proxy, where a person treats a perfectly healthy dependent as if they have a physical or mental illness. 

Dee Dee shaved her daughter’s head to mimic the effects of leukemia, doctored her birth certificate to pretend she was younger and fed her unnecessary medications that caused her to drool and eventually lose her teeth.

She forced Gypsy to use a wheelchair and undergo unnecessary surgeries on her eyes and salivary glands while cashing in with charity handouts and perks including a free trip to Disney World.

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Earlier in March, Blanchard posted a video to TikTok in which she apologized to the people who she has 'offended with a lack of accountability, the first month or so that I was out of prison and the lack of accountability in my interviews, I'm sorry,' she said

Earlier in March, Blanchard posted a video to TikTok in which she apologized to the people who she has 'offended with a lack of accountability, the first month or so that I was out of prison and the lack of accountability in my interviews, I'm sorry,' she said

Earlier in March, Blanchard posted a video to TikTok in which she apologized to the people who she has ‘offended with a lack of accountability, the first month or so that I was out of prison and the lack of accountability in my interviews, I’m sorry,’ she said

When doctors in their native Louisiana raised red flags, Dee Dee relocated to Missouri in 2008, where she got a bright pink home built for free, courtesy of Habitat for Humanity, and told everyone that Gypsy’s medical notes were destroyed in Hurricane Katrina. 

The former nurse even fooled ex-husband Rod Blanchard, who remained close to his daughter but struggled to get access to her once Dee Dee moved away and constantly made excuses to cancel his visits.

It was only when he witnessed his daughter walk into a courtroom in handcuffs that the shell-shocked dad finally grasped that Gypsy didn’t need a wheelchair.

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