British-Palestinian doctor released after arrest over criticism of Israel

British-Palestinian doctor Dr Rahmeh Aladwan, who was arrested by UK police over her criticism of Israel’s genocide of Palestinians in Gaza, has been released.

Dr. Aladwan was detained early on October 21 at her home by Metropolitan police for four alleged offences — three counts under the Malicious Communications Act and one count of inciting racial hatred. The cited laws include Section 1 of the Malicious Communications Act and Section 127 of the Communications Act 2003.

The arrest came as Dr Aladwan faces a medical tribunal hearing, despite an earlier panel finding no grounds for disciplinary action. According to her, the General Medical Council (GMC) is pursuing the case because she has refused to “moderate” her stance on Israel’s actions in Gaza.

In a post on X after her release, she said: "My arrest was political theatre, not policing." She explained: "The Metropolitan Police travelled from London to another city to arrest me. The charge: A speech from July and 3 social media (X) posts. The timing: 48 hours before my GMC hearing."

The medic claimed that she was denied water for 6 plus hours, refused essential medication, held in a freezing cell with no a blanket, and isolated with a disabled intercom.

"An officer explicitly informed me the police would be 'reporting the arrest to the GMC.' This is a non-reportable event. This admission reveals the direct channel of communication between the police and my regulator," she added.

"We now know two detailed letters were sent from the police to the GMC.The GMC will undoubtedly try to use this at tomorrow's hearing to bolster the same weak case I already defeated."

My arrest was political theatre, not policing. Let's break it down:

1. The Coordination:
· The Metropolitan Police travelled from London to another city to arrest me.
· The charge: A speech from July and 3 social media (X) posts.
· The timing: 48 hours before my GMC hearing.

2.… pic.twitter.com/LzFet85VNy

— Dr Rahmeh Aladwan (@doctor_rahmeh) October 22, 2025

.⁦@doctor_rahmeh⁩ is free! pic.twitter.com/gOETovjzqM

— David Miller (@Tracking_Power) October 21, 2025

Dr Rahmeh Aladwan said that this arrest was a coordinated act of political intimidation, designed to create a media spectacle and pressure the GMC and the MPTS.

"It reveals a seamless network: Lobby groups → Politicians (Streeting) → Police → Regulator (GMC). They are not following due process. They are executing a strategy. Our British institutions have become enforcement tools for a foreign, hostile agenda—for the 'israeli' jewish lobby—and the entire world can see it," she added.