NHS medic accused of backing Hamas tells Old Bailey judge she wants to be addressed as doctor
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By DAILY MAIL REPORTER
Published: | Updated:
An NHS doctor accused of supporting Hamas demanded that an Old Bailey judge refer to her by her professional title.
Rehiana Ali, 46, is charged with four counts of expressing belief in support of a proscribed organisation and seven counts of publishing written material to stir up racial hatred, which she denies.
The allegations relate to posts Ali made on X and WhatsApp between October 2024 and March 2025.
The Cambridge-educated consultant neurologist earned her PhD at Imperial College London and has worked as a doctor for more than two decades.
Appearing in the dock yesterday, Ali insisted she would represent herself despite Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb's offer of free legal counsel.
Ali said: 'Can I just say one more thing? 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.'
But the judge said: 'Well, I am going to refer you by your name. You are a defendant on trial.'
Rehiana Ali, 46, is charged with four counts of expressing belief in support of a proscribed organisation and seven counts of publishing written material to stir up racial hatred, which she denies. Pictured: Ali at a ‘march for Palestine’ in August last year
Prosecuting, Ben Lloyd said: 'The allegation is she [Ali] used social media, namely X and WhatsApp, to post material in support of a proscribed organisation, namely Hamas.
'It is said she sent messages containing anti-Semitic abuse intending to stir up racial hatred.'
'In a prepared statement she denied offending and said she never intended to support any terrorist organisation, does not support unlawful violence, and that she has not intended to encourage others to support a proscribed organisation.'
She was released on unconditional bail ahead of a plea and trial preparation hearing at the Old Bailey in March next year.
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