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Triumph for Free Speech: Palestinian Doctor Cleared to Practice After Defending 'Genocide' Claims— Dr. Rahmeh Aladwan, a dedicated NHS Trauma and Orthopaedics doctor of British-Palestinian heritage, secured a major victory for freedom of expression this week after the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS) ruled she can continue her medical practice without restrictions. The ruling came despite intense pressure from the General Medical Council (GMC), which sought to impose conditions on her registration over her passionate social media posts detailing the ongoing crisis in Gaza, Daily Dazzling Dawn understands.
The tribunal's decision, announced on Thursday, concluded that Dr. Aladwan’s posts—which have been highly critical of Israeli actions and fiercely supportive of the Palestinian cause—did not amount to "bullying or harassment," dismissing the GMC's attempt to restrict her professional life during its ongoing investigation.
A Plea for Her People-Dr. Aladwan, who is recognized by her prominent 'Free Palestine' tattoo on her left bicep and maintains a large social media following of over 35,000 followers, has been unwavering in her activism.
In a powerful and emotional appearance at the public hearing, Dr. Aladwan spoke through tears, revealing the horrific personal toll of the conflict: "more than 50 of her friends had died" in Gaza. She unequivocally described the situation as a "genocide" and a "holocaust."
Her posts have included highly controversial and provocative language, such as comparing Israelis to "worse than Nazis," and referring to two Palestinian gunmen killed in a Jerusalem bus attack as "Palestinian martyrs." The GMC's counsel, Isobel Thomas, argued these posts were serious enough to warrant immediate conditions on her practice, citing concerns that Jewish patients might not feel safe under her care.
Defence of Free Speech Prevails-However, Dr. Aladwan's defence, led by Tom Gillie (instructed by Rahman Lowe Solicitors), mounted a robust challenge based on fundamental rights.
Mr. Gillie powerfully stated the defence's position: it was "astonishing" that the GMC had the "temerity to ask this panel to tell a Palestinian doctor how she should be allowed to talk about the genocide of her own people." He asserted that Dr. Aladwan’s posts were protected by free speech principles. "People may think it’s vulgar, they may be offended, that’s fine, but my client has a right to express things that shocks, or disturbs or offends," Mr. Gillie argued.
The MPTS ultimately agreed with the defence. The tribunal ruled there was not sufficient evidence to establish that Dr. Aladwan posed a real risk to patients, and that allowing her to continue practising would not undermine public confidence in the medical profession.
Celebration and a Call to Action-The verdict was met with cheers from a large contingent of activists, draped in Palestinian flags and keffiyehs, who had gathered outside the Manchester tribunal building in a show of solidarity. The atmosphere was one of defiance and victory, with supporters chanting her name as Dr. Aladwan, visibly emotional, left the building.
In a defiant speech to the crowd, Dr. Aladwan framed the victory as a broader win for professional freedom: she hoped the ruling would encourage other medical professionals to “speak up” without fear of professional repercussions.
The ruling has drawn criticism from groups like the Campaign Against Antisemitism, who called the decision "inexplicable and disgraceful." Conversely, supporters view the decision as a critical upholding of a doctor's right to activism and political speech, particularly when speaking out against perceived atrocities impacting their own community and family.
The GMC's full investigation into her social media activity remains ongoing, but for now, Dr. Rahmeh Aladwan is free to continue her dedicated work as an NHS doctor.
