Rahman Lowe Client, Dr Aladwan Vindicated as GMC Tribunal Refuses Interim Suspension Over Pro-Palestine Posts

Rahman Lowe client, Dr Rahmeh Aladwan, a trainee trauma and orthopaedic surgeon, has successfully resisted attempts by the General Medical Council (GMC) to impose restrictions on her medical practice after facing complaints about her outspoken support for Palestine on social media.

Following a high-profile Interim Orders Tribunal hearing at the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS) on 25 September 2025, the panel ruled that no order was necessary on Dr Aladwan’s registration, rejecting the GMC’s arguments that interim conditions or suspension were required.

The case has attracted significant attention because the complaints against Dr Aladwan arose from political statements made online opposing Israeli government actions in Gaza and the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

The GMC presented allegations that her posts could be considered antisemitic, supportive of terrorism, or otherwise damaging to public trust in the profession. However, Dr Aladwan, represented by Barrister Tom Gillie of Matrix Chambers and Rahman Lowe Partner, Zillur Rahman, argued that her posts were a legitimate exercise of free speech, consistent with Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights.

In its written determination, the Tribunal recognised the fundamental importance of freedom of expression, particularly where political speech is concerned, and concluded:

• There was no evidence that patient safety had been put at risk.
• The GMC’s concerns arose solely from political statements, not from Dr Aladwan’s clinical practice, which remains unblemished.
• A “reasonable and fully informed member of the public” would not be alarmed to learn that she continued unrestricted practice while the investigation proceeds.

The Tribunal emphasised that it was not satisfied the statutory test for imposing an interim order had been met, and that proportionality required dismissal of the GMC’s application.

Speaking after the ruling, Dr Aladwan said:

“This is a victory not just for me, but for all those who believe in the right to speak out against injustice. As a Palestinian, I have lost dozens of friends and family members in Gaza. I will not be silenced for expressing my grief and my opposition to war crimes. Today’s decision is a reminder that doctors, like all citizens, are entitled to freedom of conscience and freedom of speech.”

Her legal team described the case as an example of politically motivated complaints designed to silence pro-Palestinian voices in the UK.

Rahman Lowe, Partner, Zillur Rahman commented:

“This outcome sends a clear message: doctors cannot be targeted with regulatory sanctions simply for criticising state violence or advocating for human rights. Attempts to equate solidarity with Palestine with professional misconduct are deeply troubling and must be resisted.”

Jahad Rahman, said:

“We welcome the decision of the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS), which is a victory for those that oppose the actions of the Israeli state in Gaza and free speech.

We are deeply concerned that the GMC chose to investigate Dr Aladwan’s fitness to practise medicine simply because she spoke out against apartheid and injustice in Palestine. It is clear that this process was driven by pressure from pro-Israeli lobby groups, and was part of a wider, unacceptable attempt to suppress pro-Palestinian advocacy. The Tribunal has rightly rejected that attempt.”

The decision is likely to resonate widely in ongoing debates about academic freedom, political speech, and the rights of professionals to engage in public discourse without fear of reprisal.

MEDIA INQUIRIES: Jahad Rahman on 07956 450814 or jrahman@rllaw.co.uk

NOTES TO EDITOR:

Rahman Lowe Solicitors advise both employers and employees on all aspects of employment law issues, including complex discrimination, whistleblowing, unfair dismissal, breach of contract, bonus disputes, regulatory and restrictive covenant claims. For further information:  https://www.rllaw.co.uk