An NHS doctor has been formally charged with multiple offences related to inviting support for Hamas, a proscribed terrorist organisation, following her arrest at her home in South Gloucestershire. The Metropolitan Police confirmed the charges against Dr Rahmeh Aladwan, a 31-year-old British Palestinian medical professional, on Thursday.
Arrest and Charges Under Terrorism Act
Dr Aladwan was apprehended by Metropolitan Police officers at her residence in Pilning, South Gloucestershire, during the morning hours of Thursday, 26 March 2026. Her arrest came after alleged breaches of police bail conditions from previous detentions. She was subsequently transported to a central London police station where she was formally charged.
The charges include four counts of inviting support for Hamas under Section 12 of the Terrorism Act 2000. These offences relate to comments or material allegedly posted online between 23 July and 31 December of the previous year. Hamas is designated as a proscribed terrorist group in the United Kingdom.
Additional Public Order Offence
In addition to the terrorism-related charges, Dr Aladwan faces a separate charge under the Public Order Act 1986. This charge alleges that she published or distributed written material and used threatening, abusive, or insulting words with intent to stir up racial hatred, or was reckless as to whether racial hatred would be stirred up.
The combination of charges highlights the serious nature of the allegations against the NHS doctor, who works within the British healthcare system while facing accusations related to terrorist support and racial hatred.
Court Appearance and Custody Status
Following her charging, Dr Aladwan was remanded in custody by authorities. Scotland Yard announced that she is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Friday for her initial hearing. The case will proceed through the British legal system where the charges will be formally addressed.
The arrest of an NHS doctor on such serious charges has drawn attention to the intersection of professional healthcare roles and alleged extremist activities. The Metropolitan Police have emphasized that the investigation and charges follow proper legal procedures under both terrorism and public order legislation.
As the case develops, further details about the specific online comments or material referenced in the charges may emerge during court proceedings. The legal process will determine the outcome of these serious allegations against the British Palestinian doctor.
