British-Palestinian Doctor Faces Multiple Arrests Over Social Media Posts
British-Palestinian doctor Rahmeh Aladwan says authorities arrested her four times in under three months. She links these arrests to her social media posts supporting Palestine and criticizing Israel. Aladwan calls the actions politically motivated attacks on her free speech.
Details of the Arrests and Police Statements
Aladwan posted on X about her latest arrest on January 15. She named Metropolitan Police officers Saul Carroll and Steve Burgess as involved. According to her, officers told her during interrogation that "jews keep calling" to report her. Previous arrests happened on October 21, December 4, and December 22.
She now faces bail conditions that combine all prior cases. These restrictions effectively place her under house arrest. Aladwan cannot attend Palestine-related events in London. She is also barred from posting content that might "stir up racial hatred" or show support for banned organizations. Aladwan denies ever doing this.
Aladwan's Allegations of Harassment and Lobby Influence
In her social media statements, Aladwan accuses the British state of "state-sponsored harassment and judicial terrorism." She claims the UK "israel" lobby partners with authorities in this effort. Aladwan specifically points to Jewish individuals who "keep calling" the police, including the Anti-Terrorism Hotline, to silence her.
"The 'israel' lobby is an enemy to free speech and civil liberties in Britain," she wrote. Aladwan maintains her posts are not hateful or racist.
Background as a Doctor and Ongoing Investigations
The 31-year-old works as a trainee trauma and orthopaedic surgeon within the NHS. A medical tribunal previously suspended her for 15 months over alleged antisemitic social media posts. The tribunal also heard claims she supported "violent action and terrorist organizations."
The Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service stated her posts could deter patients from seeking her treatment. Aladwan has faced accusations of being a Hamas sympathizer. She denies all these allegations.
Currently, the General Medical Council investigates her. This body regulates doctors to ensure patient safety. The GMC started the probe after complaints about her alleged antisemitic comments online. The tribunal noted some posts included conspiracy theories or demonized Jewish people.
Aladwan's lawyer argues there is "no evidence" her social media activity affected patient safety or her medical practice. The case highlights ongoing tensions around free speech, political expression, and professional conduct in the UK.
