Palestinian doctor “silenced” during UK hearing following arrest
Dr Rahmeh Aladwan was arrested on suspicion of inciting racial hatred and sending malicious communications Credit: Jake Lindley for The Telegraph
A British-Palestinian doctor working for the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) was allegedly prevented from speaking during a disciplinary hearing in the UK, The New Arab plus agencies reported on October 23rd.
Dr. Rahmeh Aladwan, aged 31, was arrested at her family home in Gloucestershire on charges of sending malicious communications and misusing a public communications network.
The police have said that her social media comments at a pro-Palestine rally “amounted to calls for the eradication of Israel and implied support for armed resistance, including organisations such as Hamas.”
After her arrest on allegations of inciting racial hatred, she faced the General Medical Council (GMC) in a disciplinary hearing. Documents published online reveal that Aladwan was stopped from speaking or questioning members of the panel or GMC counsel.
One submission said that the GMC “strongly opposes any application from Dr Aladwan to ask direct questions of the panel members and GMC counsel at any stage.”
David Miller, who is a producer and journalist, described how she was cut off mid-sentence by a panel member and stopped from talking against questions.
Prior to the hearing, Aladwan had posted on social media, “In 12 hours, the GMC will try to destroy my career and livelihood to please its masters in the Israeli lobby. Let’s be clear: a British Jewish or Israeli doctor could join the IOF, bomb hospitals, kill patients in Palestine and keep their licence and freely practise.”
Her legal team maintains the GMC’s decision was influenced by pressure from the Campaign Against Antisemitism, which allegedly threatened legal action unless she was disciplined. They also accused UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting of making “prejudicial remarks” about the case.
Aladwan claims her arrest was “political theatre.” She says she was denied water for over six hours, refused essential medication, kept in a freezing cell without a blanket, and isolated with a disabled intercom system.”
Her legal team argues that she carries no risk to patient safety, points out that she has no prior complaints or disciplinary record, and that her right to free expression under Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights should protect her conduct.
The New Arab plus agencies, Maghrebi.org
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