British-Palestinian doctor arrested in UK over pro-Palestine speech
British-Palestinian NHS doctor Rahmeh Aladwan was arrested over alleged offences linked to her pro-Palestine activism — just two days before a tribunal hearing that will determine whether she can continue practising medicine in the UK.
UNITED KINGDOM: British-Palestinian NHS doctor Rahmeh Aladwan was arrested by UK police on 21 October 2025 for alleged offences related to her pro-Palestine activism and criticism of Israel’s war on Gaza.
The arrest took place just two days before a Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service hearing that will determine whether she can continue practising medicine in the United Kingdom.
Footage of the arrest shows officers informing Aladwan that she was being detained on four counts — three under the Malicious Communications Act and one for inciting racial hatred.
Police cited a speech she gave at a pro-Palestine protest outside the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London on 21 July, which they said amounted to calls for “the eradication of Israel” and expressed “support for armed resistance against Israel.”
In the video, Aladwan appeared confused when told of the charges, responding,
“Oh, Israel? For Israel, the entity of Israel.”
Her companion, who was filming the arrest, added,
“The state Israel? Another place? I thought it’s for UK.”
