Egyptian-British human rights activist Alaa Abd El-Fattah has “unequivocally” apologized after decades-old tweets from right-wing extremists demanded that he be denied British citizenship.
The writer and blogger, who returned to Britain this week after 12 years of imprisonment in Egypt, wrote a lengthy apology online, adding that some of the tweets were “completely twisted”.
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Right-wing commentators and members of the Conservative Party demanded that Abd El-Fattah be deported for his posts dating back to 2010, including alleged references to killing Zionists and police officers, along with far-right Reform UK leaders.
Abd El-Fattah wrote that the tweets “reflected a young man’s anger and frustrations in a time of regional crises,” including the wars on Iraq and Gaza, and a pervasive culture of “online insult battles.”
He continued, “I should have known better.”
I’m shocked that several of my older tweets have been republished and used to question and denigrate my integrity and values, leading to calls for the revocation of my citizenship, he said.
In a Daily Mail op-ed, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said that Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood should consider how Abd El-Fattah “can be removed from Britain” and that she does not want “people who hate Britain coming to our country.”
The Reform UK leader, Nigel Farage, criticized Badenoch for being a member of the 2021 administration, which granted Abd El-Fattah citizenship, in a letter he wrote to Mahmood on X.
Abd El-Fattah’s supporters and human rights activists blasted the actions as smear campaigns and directed his followers to his apology.
Naomi Klein, a Jewish academic and author, claimed that right-wingers were “playing politics with his hard-won freedom,” while Mai El-Sadany, executive director of the Washington, DC-based Tahrir Institute for Middle Eastern Policy, claimed the citizenship revocation campaign was “coordinated” to “impugn his reputation and harm him.
The home secretary can revoke citizenship under British law if it is deemed to be “conductive to the public good,” a practice that critics claim is unfairly targeted at British Muslims.
The Institute on Statelessness and Inclusion predicted that at least 175 people had lost their British citizenship since 2006, including more than 100 in 2017, making the country “a global leader in the race to the bottom” for revocations in a report released in 2022.
British conservatives’ concern over Abd El-Fattah’s release appeared to be caused by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s response. He stated earlier this week that the investigation had been “top priority” and that he was “delighted” by Abd El-Fattah’s return, a statement that Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper shared.
During the 2011 mass protests that ousted then-leader Hosni Mubarak, Abd El-Fattah was imprisoned. He then became a prominent critic of Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, the military ruler of Egypt, two years after his ouster.
In 2014, the author was accused of spreading fake news and received a 15-year prison sentence. Before receiving another five-year sentence, he was briefly released in 2019.
Who: Aston Villa vs. Arsenal What: English Premier League Where: Emirates Stadium, London, UK When: Tuesday at 8:15pm (20:15 GMT) How to follow: We’ll have all the build-up on Al Jazeera Sport from 17:00 GMT in advance of our live text commentary stream.
Aston Villa’s stunning recent form has made them legitimate title contenders when they travel to league leaders Arsenal, despite not capturing any of their first six games of the season.
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Unai Emery’s men are now within three points of the Gunners at the top of the table with eight Premier League victories in a row, including 11 in all competitions, which is their longest winning streak since 1914.
Emery will be eager to win at his previous employer, Arsenal, where he took over as manager in February, less than a year after taking over from Arsene Wenger.
Arsenal set up a six-point lead over them in the first half of the league this year, but they have since looked less convincing and lost 2-1 to Villa in Birmingham earlier in December after conceding a last-gasp goal.
Manchester City briefly took the lead over the weekend, but the Gunners resurrected control with a spirited 2-1 win over Brighton, while Villa rallied from behind to record an impressive 2-1 win away at Chelsea.
“We are very competitive,” he said.
Emery makes a rare managerial failure on Tuesday, returning to the scene of his most recent outings, with the goal of a major blow to former Premier League champion Arsenal’s long-awaited bid for a title.
The Spaniard’s transformation from battling relegation to contending for their first league title since 1981 has led to the awakening of a sleeping giant in Villa.
“We are doing a very good job.” We are currently third in the league, trailing only Manchester City and Arsenal. Emery commanded admiration after he orchestrated a second-half turnaround at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
The Blues were putting an end to Villa’s 1-0 lead before an hour-long triple substitution made the game change.
Ollie Watkins praised his manager’s switch of system as “tactical genius” after he came off the bench to score twice.
On December 27, 2025, Watkins ascends to the lead in Villa’s win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Emery has a strong record against Arsenal.
Few people think Villa will be able to survive 20 more games against Arsenal and City’s much greater wealth and squad depth. However, Emery’s three-year tenure as president is just the start of a trend on the upward trajectory.
The Villains have qualified for continental competition for the past three seasons following a 13-year absence from Europe, which included a three-year stint in the second-tier championship.
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) were on the verge of a shock victory at Villa Park in April, but they escaped and won the Champions League quarterfinal 5-4 overall, going on to win the competition for the first time.
In addition, Emery has lost just twice in 10 meetings against Arsenal in competitions at PSG, Villarreal, and Villa, including a 2-0 victory at the Emirates in April 2024, which ultimately cost Mikel Arteta’s men the title.
Even Emery’s disastrous 18 months in north London were not without their own misery. The 54-year-old inherited a club that was in decline during Wenger’s final years, but he only managed to make it a Champions League team in his final full season in charge and reach the Europa League final.
[File: Paul Childs/Action Images via Reuters] Emery becomes animated on the touchline
Everyone is “everybody ready to do whatever it takes.”
Martin Odegaard, the captain of Arsenal, thinks that Declan Rice’s “unbelievable” performance as an emergency right-back against Brighton shows that they are “ready to do whatever it takes” to win the Premier League.
Rice, one of the standout midfielders in the league this season, could be required to play there again on Tuesday due to Jurrien Timber and Ben White’s absence.
It was unbelievable to play right-back [probably]for the first time in his life, and then execute it the way he did it today, according to Odegaard.
“And that’s just our team,” he continued. Rice’s performance was another excellent illustration of how everyone is willing to do whatever it takes.
[File: AFP] Rice celebrates after Arsenal score their second goal in Brighton.
Gunners handling injuries in an “unbelievable way”
It should have been a straightforward three points for the hosts when Odegaard scored the opener for Arsenal against Brighton in the 14th minute and Georginio Rutter’s own goal from a Rice corner made it 2-0 shortly after the break.
However, Diego Gomez’s response to Brighton altered the tone of the match, and Arsenal came away with a victory at the end of the match.
Arteta compared a victory that should have been easier to say, “The knock-on effect of winning is incredibly powerful.”
“The Premier League should never be 2-1,” he said.
We have a lot of issues, and we’re dealing with them in an incredible way, like when we lost Jurrien [Timber] and today we lost [Riccardo] Calafiori in the warm-up. When Declan Rice is required to play at fullback, you can see how well he performed, and that’s how our players want it.
Head-to-head
The two clubs first fought 120 years ago, and 206 of those matches saw Aston Villa win 72 and 46 of those games ended in draws.
Arsenal last recorded a win over Villa in August 2024 with a 2-0 away win over Villa, having lost three of their previous five games against Villa and picking up just four points along the way.
Villa travel to London after winning nine of their last ten Premier League games with a 2-0 win in April 2024 and 2-2 draw in January, despite the Gunners having won nine of those games.
news from the Arsenal team
Arteta hopes Timber’s late fitness test will be passed. Rice would resump playing midfield if he were to return.
After being replaced at left-back by Myles Lewis-Skelly and resuming his warm-up against Brighton, Calafiori remains a significant doubt.
Important centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes has recovered from an adductor injury and will start for the first time since November in what would be a significant boost for the Gunners.
lineup anticipated:
Raya (goalkeeper), Timber (goalkeeper), Saliba (goalkeeper), Gabriel (goalkeeper), Zubimendi (goalkeeper), Rice (goalkeeper), Odegaard (goalkeeper), Saka (gookeres), and Ezekiel (goalkeeper).
news from the Aston Villa team
Amadou Onana and Lamare Bogarde will replace them with suspended right-back Matty Cash and defensive midfielder Boubacar Kamara after receiving numerous bookings.
While Ivory Coast forward Evann Guessand is participating in the Africa Cup of Nations, defensive players Tyrone Mings, Pau Torres, and midfielder Ross Barkley are still ruled out with injuries.
Watkins will start up front in place of Donyell Malen after coming off the bench to score a brace against Chelsea.
Ian Rush, a former Liverpool striker, claims that he was close to passing away after collapsing at home earlier this month.
After sustaining “superflu,” the 64-year-old was taken to the Countess of Chester hospital on December 11 and spent 48 hours in intensive care.
“I did believe this could be it because I thought the worst.” The Reds’ record goalscorer admitted to BBC Sport, “I couldn’t breathe.”
Rush’s partner, Carol, called for an ambulance as his breathing problems deteriorated in the early morning.
However, Rush made a decision to remain at home as the situation improved after the paramedics arrived. However, Rush collapsed just as they were leaving, and a second ambulance was called in as a result.
It was a terrifying experience, they said. Because I couldn’t breathe and had a panic attack, I thought it was the end. Carol was fantastic. She assisted me in breathing, which made it easier for me to wait for the ambulance to arrive, Rush said.
After five days, Rush was discharged, but he later admitted to beginning preparations for his eventual demise. He has started breathing exercises three times a day since then.
Rush, who was speaking at the World Sports Summit in Dubai, continued, “It’s given me a big kick.
There will be a few changes in 2026 because there are a few things I need to do to ensure that everyone else’s is protected if something happens to me.
The doctors told me that the sun will do you a world of good, and I’m allowed to fly, so I’m here, according to Rush, an ambassador for Liverpool. The performance of Liverpool Football Club is excellent. I’ve been told to take as much time off as I need. You become aware that it is a large, family-friendly club at that time.
People from all over the footballing world have been texting Rush since the health scare.
He met former Juventus and Italy forward Alessandro del Piero and Roberto Baggio on Sunday and had an evening with the likes of Ronaldo, a legend from Brazil, and Roberto Baggio.
“Seeing Baggio, who lived in the same house that I was in when I was at Juventus, and that goes a long way,” said Rush.
And it gives me the motivation to keep going. What I can say about winning a World Cup is that some of these legends have done it, and I know I haven’t, and that I’m still in good form. That inspires pride in me.
In addition to her go-to serum, which is “gentle on the skin” and continues to be a “stylish staple” in her skincare routine, Zandra McDermott has a wealth of suggestions for battling sensitive skin.
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Zara McDermott shares serum for sensitive skin that ‘never gives her flare-ups’(Image: Getty)
It’s no secret that Zara McDermott suffers from sensitive skin and other issues like rosacea, meaning she has to be careful what skincare products she uses that won’t leave her facing flare-ups. This month, she’s been taking to Instagram to share with fans some of the must-have products that she relies on through winter, including one particular serum that Zara hailed “the best”.
If you’re looking for a hyaluronic acid serum that keeps your complexion moisturized without irritating sensitive skin, Medik8’s Hydr8 B5 Intense might be just what your skincare regimen has been lacking.
This hyaluronic acid serum, which has been improved, gives your skin an immediate moisture boost within 24 hours, in addition to the brand’s bestselling Hdry8 B5. Customers have rated the full-size 30ml bottle as “definitely worth the money” in reviews, and you can get one for £59 or an 8ml bottle for £20.
READ MORE: GMB’s Charlotte Hawkins looks “amazing” in a structured mini-dress that is currently discounted by £40.
This serum, wrigin: “The BEST,” was shared by Zara on her social media accounts. This hyaluronic acid is my favorite. I use it twice daily because it feels so soft on my skin! This has never caused me any trouble, and it has never caused me any flare-ups. It’s a must-have for my skincare routine.
Multi-weight hyaluronic acid, which attracts and retains more than 1000 times its own weight in water, is the key component of the Hydr8 B5 Intense serum. It reaches the upper layers to absorb moisture, giving them a nourished, supple, and hydrated glow.
The addition of vitamin B5 helps your skin retain moisture and create new cells for a plump appearance, which sets this apart from other hyaluronic acid serums. To increase hydration, it is also enriched with Natural Moisturising Factors (NMFs), including glycerin, five different amino acids, lactic acid, and creatine.
Additionally, you’ll find a lot of other antioxidant ingredients that promote collagen production and stop skin dryness. Don’t forget your neck and décolletage, Medik8 suggests applying six drops to freshly cleansed skin every morning and night to maximize the benefits of the Hydr8 B5 Intense serum.
One customer of Medik8 claims, “From a beauty therapist of 40 years, this product is unbelievable. Your skin will glow because it is so moisturizing and anti-aging.
Another devoted user remarked, “I couldn’t live without this serum!” It has become a regular part of my daily life, and it has a phenomenal impact. I adore how quickly it absorbs into the skin, leaving it feeling firm, plump, and glowy-feeling. Since using this serum, which is one of my favorite Meditek products, I haven’t had dry skin since. Highly recommended and unquestionably worthwhile.
Despite that, not everyone was a fan of the Hydr8 B5 Intense serum. One less persuaded user said, “I believe this Medik8 product is MID in comparison to other products.” I finished all the bottles so I didn’t notice much improvement. I believe that less expensive hydration serums are available.
Another phrased something like, “This serum doesn’t seem to do that much for me, but the feel is lovely.” I wouldn’t repurchase because my skin is quite dry and tight in the winter.
Yet many fans still have a crush on them. One enthralled customer wrote, “I’ve used this for a year or more and I can see definite improvement on fine lines.” I would highly recommend because it is light and silky, doesn’t linger on the skin, and absorbs quickly.
Continue reading the article.
My skin has improved inelasticity, elasticity, glow, and overall health, according to another person who was enthusiastic.
This season, Chelsea have conceded more points from winning positions at home than any other Premier League club.
Enzo Maresca, a trend manager, acknowledges that this trend is “not random” and wants to “understand why.”
Chelsea, who have scored first in eight of their previous nine home games, find it particularly frustrating because they are quick starters at Stamford Bridge. They have also lost 11 points, more than any other Premier League team, in their home victories, overall.
Chelsea currently trails league leaders Arsenal by 13 points from both home and away in points total.
Following Saturday’s 2-1 defeat by Aston Villa, Maresca changed her mind about the situation.
Chelsea is now 10 points clear of third-place Villa thanks to Ollie Watkins’ two second-half goals.
Before Tuesday’s visit to Bournemouth and Stamford Bridge, Maresca told BBC Sport: “When something continues to happen, it’s not random.
Are his substitutes to blame?
Maresca’s substitutes had little of an impact as Villa manager Unai Emery’s changes shifted the game.
The decision to kick out Marc Cucurella in the 72nd minute drew criticism, despite later being revealed that the Spaniard had a potential hamstring issue, while star attacker Cole Palmer reacted furiously to being taken off for Estevao Willian, 18, in the 72nd minute.
Maresca’s substitutions have previously been subject to scrutiny, most recently in earlier matches against Brighton and Manchester United with 10 men. After his team beat Chelsea in their Champions League match earlier this month, Alatalanta forward Charles De Ketelaere even suggested they “drop” in the second half.
Maresca’s adjustments have occasionally worked, but they typically have resulted from resting key players. He frequently played for Cardiff City in the Carabao Cup and Nottingham Forest and Brentford in the Premier League, but he ultimately relied on the strength of his teammates to win.
This has sparked a chicken-and-egg debate: some people attribute the squad’s lack of quality to the bench, while others criticize Maresca’s treatment of some players.
Maresca smiled before saying, “No, I think it’s in general,” when asked about the problem by BBC Sport.
Following a defeat defined by substitutes, that guarded response was issued.
Watkins, Amadou Onana, former Chelsea loanee Jadon Sancho, Lucas Digne, and Lamare Bogarde made up Villa’s quintet, with an average age of over 26.
Chelsea, on the other hand, made four changes with underage children: Estevao Willian, Jamie Gittens, Liam Delap, and Malo Gusto.
Since moving to Stamford Bridge, Estevao has scored five goals and an assist in the attacking zone, but Gittens and Delap have both scored just once, despite also having five assists overall.
“It’s probably how we can improve after we concede a goal, to manage the game a little better, to gain experience game after game,” says Maresca.
Chelsea rely on youth, but this season’s Premier League changes have had little impact.
Their starting XI is 24 years, 219 days, while their substitutes are the league’s youngest, both at 21 years and 349 days.
Chelsea has yet to deal with.
Maresca appears to be ready to go on and claim that, following their 2-0 victory over Everton earlier this month, “many people” caused his worst 48 hours.”
After being defeated by Leeds and Atalanta successively, his comments were widely accepted as criticism of Chelsea’s hierarchy’s alleged lack of support.
With Chelsea having their league position as the minimum goal, Maresca insists he is doing a good job with the Premier League’s youngest squad.
No team has ever changed its starting XI more than Chelsea’s 146 in all competitions, and he is encouraged to rotate and make use of his entire squad’s full depth.
However, Maresca acknowledged that Andrey Santos and other regular starters like Moises Caicedo are not yet on par with Maresca.
Chelsea, which is just seven points clear of 15th-placed Bournemouth before Tuesday’s game in west London, are now fifth and could be forced into mid-table.
Home form is becoming more important. At Stamford Bridge, Chelsea have lost three league games in a row, as well as they have lost all of their previous home games.
When asked about Chelsea’s target, Maresca responded, “The last game doesn’t reflect the 10-point difference between us and Villa. Therefore, we must be confident and confident in our ability to surpass our predecessors.
This season, Chelsea have conceded more points from winning positions at home than any other Premier League club.
Enzo Maresca, a trend manager, acknowledges that this trend is “not random” and wants to “understand why.”
Chelsea, who have scored first in eight of their previous nine home games, find it particularly frustrating because they are quick starters at Stamford Bridge. They have also lost 11 points, more than any other Premier League team, in their home victories, overall.
Chelsea currently trails league leaders Arsenal by 13 points from both home and away in points total.
Following Saturday’s 2-1 defeat by Aston Villa, Maresca changed her mind about the situation.
Chelsea is now 10 points clear of third-place Villa thanks to Ollie Watkins’ two second-half goals.
Before Tuesday’s visit to Bournemouth and Stamford Bridge, Maresca told BBC Sport: “When something continues to happen, it’s not random.
Are his substitutes to blame?
Maresca’s substitutes had little of an impact as Villa manager Unai Emery’s changes shifted the game.
The decision to kick out Marc Cucurella in the 72nd minute drew criticism, despite later being revealed that the Spaniard had a potential hamstring issue, while star attacker Cole Palmer reacted furiously to being taken off for Estevao Willian, 18, in the 72nd minute.
Maresca’s substitutions have previously been subject to scrutiny, most recently in earlier matches against Brighton and Manchester United with 10 men. After his team beat Chelsea in their Champions League match earlier this month, Alatalanta forward Charles De Ketelaere even suggested they “drop” in the second half.
Maresca’s adjustments have occasionally worked, but they typically have resulted from resting key players. He frequently played for Cardiff City in the Carabao Cup and Nottingham Forest and Brentford in the Premier League, but he ultimately relied on the strength of his teammates to win.
This has sparked a chicken-and-egg debate: some people attribute the squad’s lack of quality to the bench, while others criticize Maresca’s treatment of some players.
Maresca smiled before saying, “No, I think it’s in general,” when asked about the problem by BBC Sport.
Following a defeat defined by substitutes, that guarded response was issued.
Watkins, Amadou Onana, former Chelsea loanee Jadon Sancho, Lucas Digne, and Lamare Bogarde made up Villa’s quintet, with an average age of over 26.
Chelsea, on the other hand, made four changes with underage children: Estevao Willian, Jamie Gittens, Liam Delap, and Malo Gusto.
Since moving to Stamford Bridge, Estevao has scored five goals and an assist in the attacking zone, but Gittens and Delap have both scored just once, despite also having five assists overall.
“It’s probably how we can improve after we concede a goal, to manage the game a little better, to gain experience game after game,” says Maresca.
Chelsea rely on youth, but this season’s Premier League changes have had little impact.
Their starting XI is 24 years, 219 days, while their substitutes are the league’s youngest, both at 21 years and 349 days.
Chelsea has yet to deal with.
Maresca appears to be ready to go on and claim that, following their 2-0 victory over Everton earlier this month, “many people” caused his worst 48 hours.”
After being defeated by Leeds and Atalanta successively, his comments were widely accepted as criticism of Chelsea’s hierarchy’s alleged lack of support.
With Chelsea having their league position as the minimum goal, Maresca insists he is doing a good job with the Premier League’s youngest squad.
No team has ever changed its starting XI more than Chelsea’s 146 in all competitions, and he is encouraged to rotate and make use of his entire squad’s full depth.
However, Maresca acknowledged that Andrey Santos and other regular starters like Moises Caicedo are not yet on par with Maresca.
Chelsea, which is just seven points clear of 15th-placed Bournemouth before Tuesday’s game in west London, are now fifth and could be forced into mid-table.
Home form is becoming more important. At Stamford Bridge, Chelsea have lost three league games in a row, as well as they have lost all of their previous home games.
When asked about Chelsea’s target, Maresca responded, “The last game doesn’t reflect the 10-point difference between us and Villa. Therefore, we must be confident and confident in our ability to surpass our predecessors.
