Free Speech Victory for Pro-Palestine NHS Doctor

Doctor's Right to Speak Up Vindicated: Tribunal Confirms Dr. Rahmeh Aladwan's Freedom of Expression—In a powerful affirmation of the fundamental right to freedom of speech, Dr. Rahmeh Aladwan, an NHS junior medic and British-Palestinian of unwavering conviction, has been given the full support of the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS) to continue her vital medical career without restriction. The tribunal decisively ruled that Dr. Aladwan’s impassioned social media posts, which fearlessly champion human rights and advocate for the Palestinian cause, fall under the protected right to freedom of expression, which is foundational to a free and open society.

The decision comes after a highly publicised hearing where the tribunal was asked to consider interim restrictions on Dr. Aladwan’s ability to practise. The panel ultimately found there was no sufficient evidence to establish that she posed a real risk to patients or that allowing her to continue practising would undermine public confidence in the medical profession. This outcome is a resounding victory for the principle that medical professionals do not forfeit their right to be active and vocal citizens on matters of global significance and justice.

Dr. Aladwan, who has bravely requested that the proceedings be held in public, used the platform to share the devastating personal toll of the ongoing conflict, revealing with deep emotion that more than 50 of her friends had perished in what she described as a "genocide" and a "holocaust" in Gaza. Her posts reflect the immense grief, outrage, and deep-seated commitment to justice felt by many advocating for human rights.

The doctor’s social media commentary, including posts reflecting on the two-year anniversary of the October 7th event—where she spoke of "glory to the breaking of the 17 year long illegal siege"—have been interpreted by some critics as controversial. However, Dr. Aladwan courageously defended her statements at the hearing, affirming that all her posts were "legitimate and can be defended and reasoned." The MPTS panel agreed that their duty to protect the public must be carefully "balanced with the doctor’s right to freedom of expression" under Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights.

This ruling sends a clear message that the right to express political views, especially on international issues involving human rights and the suffering of one’s own people, must be protected—even when those views are deeply uncomfortable for the establishment. Outside the tribunal, dozens of passionate activists and supporters, draped in the colours of the Palestinian flag, gathered to show their solidarity, underscoring the broad support for Dr. Aladwan's stand. Their presence highlighted that this case is not just about one doctor, but about the fundamental right to stand up for humanity and voice dissent against perceived injustice.

Know Dr. Rahmeh Aladwan: Career and family-Dr. Rahmeh Aladwan is a highly dedicated professional, registered as a doctor with the General Medical Council (GMC) with a licence to practise since her full registration in August 2019. Born in June 1994, she is a British national. She obtained her MBChB qualification in 2018 from the University of Liverpool and holds a BSc. Her career focus is in the demanding field of surgery, where she is training as a junior medic with a keen interest in Trauma and Orthopaedics. She previously served as an SHO (Senior House Officer) in the Department of Orthopaedics at Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust. Public records also show her involvement as a Director of a private company, RAHMEH LIMITED, which was incorporated in August 2019. While Dr. Aladwan has kept her personal life private from public scrutiny, current available information focuses on her committed career and her brave public advocacy. Details regarding a husband or children are not publicly disclosed, allowing her to maintain a necessary boundary between her public professional life and her private family matters. Her work in the NHS continues to be highly valued.