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🇮🇱 Israel /Health & Science

British doctor to be prosecuted over support for Hamas, antisemitic, anti-Zionist posts

From Jerusalem Post · (7m ago) English Critical tone

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • A UK National Health Service resident doctor faces prosecution for allegedly recruiting for Hamas and posting antisemitic and anti-Zionist content.
  • Dr. Rahmeh Aladwan is accused of supporting a proscribed terrorist organization and inciting racial hatred through online posts and statements.
  • Her medical license was suspended pending investigation, with concerns raised about patient confidence and her ability to practice.

A serious case is unfolding in the UK's legal system as a resident doctor, Dr. Rahmeh Aladwan, stands accused of grave offenses, including supporting Hamas and publishing inflammatory antisemitic material. The gravity of these charges, brought before the Old Bailey Criminal Court, highlights the UK's commitment to combating terrorism and hate speech, even within the medical profession.

I do not condemn Hamas. I do not condemn October 7th

— Dr. Rahmeh Aladwan (alleged)An alleged post by the doctor that is part of the charges against her.

Dr. Aladwan, a British-Palestinian trainee trauma and orthopedic surgeon, faces six charges. These include four counts of supporting Hamas, a group proscribed as a terrorist organization in the UK, and two counts of inciting racial hatred. The accusations stem from alleged inflammatory posts made in July and November of last year, including statements like "I do not condemn Hamas. I do not condemn October 7th," and "I condemn the existence of Israel."

I condemn the existence of Israel

— Dr. Rahmeh Aladwan (alleged)Another alleged post by the doctor forming part of the charges.

Further details revealed during a tribunal hearing by the UK's General Medical Council (GMC) paint a disturbing picture. Aladwan is alleged to have posted content that "justifies terrorism, denies sexual violence, includes antisemitic conspiracy theories, misuses Holocaust and Nazi imagery, and expresses support for proscribed groups and terrorist acts." She is also accused of referring to a London hospital as a "Jewish Supremacy cesspit" and doxing colleagues. The Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS) suspended her license for 15 months, deeming it "unconscionable" for her to continue practicing and noting that her alleged conduct could erode patient confidence.

justifies terrorism, denies sexual violence, includes antisemitic conspiracy theories, misuses Holocaust and Nazi imagery, and expresses support for proscribed groups and terrorist acts

— GMC counsel Emma GilsenanDescribing the nature of the posts made by Dr. Aladwan during the MPTS hearing.

This case is particularly sensitive given the UK's stance on terrorism and its efforts to combat antisemitism. The prosecution and the GMC's investigation underscore the zero-tolerance policy towards extremism and hate speech, regardless of the individual's profession. The upcoming trial, expected in 2027, will be closely watched as it addresses the intersection of political extremism, hate speech, and professional conduct within the UK's National Health Service.

unconscionable to consider that Dr Aladwan should be permitted to continue to practice

— GMC counsel Emma GilsenanStating the GMC's position on Dr. Aladwan's continued practice during the MPTS hearing.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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