British Palestinian NHS Doctor Accused of Supporting Hamas
The Metropolitan Police have charged Dr Rahmeh Aladwan, 31, with terrorism-related offences. Officers arrested her at her home in Pilning, South Gloucestershire, on Thursday morning.
The arrest followed alleged breaches of police bail conditions from earlier detentions. She was taken to a central London police station and formally charged.
Arrest and formal charges
Dr Aladwan faces four counts of inviting support for a proscribed organisation. Those counts fall under the Terrorism Act 2000.
The alleged material or comments were posted online between 23 July and 31 December last year. Police say the posts prompted the terrorism charges.
She also faces a charge under the Public Order Act 1986. That relates to publishing or distributing written material and using threatening, abusive, or insulting words with intent to stir up racial hatred.
Legal timeline and custody
- Arrested at home in Pilning, South Gloucestershire, on Thursday morning.
- Charged at a central London police station after arrest.
- Remanded in custody and due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday.
Context and identity
The defendant is a British Palestinian physician employed by the NHS. Authorities have described her as an NHS doctor accused of supporting Hamas in relation to online posts.
Scotland Yard confirmed the charges to news agencies. Filmogaz.com is reporting this development.
Legal framework
The Terrorism Act 2000 criminalises inviting support for proscribed groups. The Public Order Act 1986 criminalises conduct intended to stir up racial hatred.
Court proceedings will determine whether the charges are proven. No conviction has been recorded at this stage.
