NHS Doctor Accused of Supporting Hamas Demands to be Called "Doctor" in Court
Rehiana Ali, facing charges of expressing support for Hamas and stirring up racial hatred, insisted on being addressed by her professional title during a hearing at the Old Bailey.
An NHS doctor facing charges related to alleged support for Hamas insisted that an Old Bailey judge refer to her as "doctor" during a court appearance. Rehiana Ali, 46, is accused of four counts of expressing belief in support of a proscribed organisation and seven counts of publishing written material to stir up racial hatred, charges she denies.
The allegations stem from posts Ali allegedly made on X and WhatsApp between October 2024 and March 2025. A Cambridge-educated consultant neurologist with over two decades of experience, Ali appeared in court and stated her preference to be addressed by her professional title. "My title is not Ali, my title is doctor. I have worked 20 years to earn that title, I would like to be referred as Dr Ali," she told the judge. However, the judge responded, "Well, I am going to refer you by your name. You are a defendant on trial."
Prosecuting, Ben Lloyd stated that Ali allegedly used social media platforms to post material in support of Hamas and sent messages containing anti-Semitic abuse with the intent to stir up racial hatred. In a prepared statement, Ali denied the charges, asserting she never intended to support any terrorist organisation, does not support unlawful violence, and has not encouraged others to support a proscribed organisation.
Ali was released on unconditional bail. A plea and trial preparation hearing is scheduled for the Old Bailey in March of the following year.