NHS Doctor Accused of Supporting Hamas Demands to Be Addressed as 'Doctor' in Court
Rehiana Ali, facing charges of expressing belief in support of Hamas and stirring up racial hatred, insisted on using her professional title before an Old Bailey judge.
An NHS doctor accused of supporting Hamas requested that an Old Bailey judge refer to her by her professional title during a court appearance. Rehiana Ali, 46, denies four counts of expressing belief in support of a proscribed organisation and seven counts of publishing written material to stir up racial hatred.
The charges stem from posts Ali allegedly made on X and WhatsApp between October 2024 and March 2025. Prosecutors allege she used social media to post material in support of Hamas and sent messages containing anti-Semitic abuse with the intent to stir up racial hatred.
Ali, who holds a PhD from Imperial College London and has practiced medicine for over two decades, appeared in court and stated her preference to be addressed as 'Dr Ali' rather than by her surname, Ali. She indicated she would represent herself, declining an offer of free legal counsel. However, the judge stated she would be referred to by her name as she is a defendant on trial.
In a prepared statement, Ali denied the charges, asserting that she never intended to support any terrorist organisation, does not support unlawful violence, and has not encouraged others to support a proscribed organisation. She was released on unconditional bail, with a plea and trial preparation hearing scheduled for next March.