NHS consultant neurologist Rehiana Ali, 46, has denied charges alleging that she expressed support for Hamas and published material intended to stir up racial hatred. During a hearing at the Old Bailey, she asked to be addressed as “Dr Ali” and said she would represent herself, but the judge said she would be referred to by her name as a defendant.

The allegations concern posts on X and WhatsApp made between October 2024 and March 2025. Prosecutors allege that some messages supported Hamas, a proscribed organisation, and included anti-Semitic abuse; Ali denies the offences and says she did not support unlawful violence or intend to encourage support for terrorism. She was released on unconditional bail, with a further hearing scheduled for March next year.