OUR MISSION

About Our Mission: Defending Free Speech for Healthcare Professionals

In an era where global events deeply impact individuals and communities, healthcare professionals face a unique challenge: balancing their ethical duties to advocate for health and human rights with an increasing pressure to remain silent on contentious political issues. Our platform stands in solidarity with medical professionals who have been subjected to censorship and disciplinary action for speaking out against the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, which many are describing as a genocide.

We believe that healthcare professionals, with their intimate understanding of human suffering, public health, and the devastating consequences of violence, have a vital role to play in humanitarian advocacy. Their voices, far from being a distraction, are essential to upholding medical ethics and informing public discourse. Yet, we have witnessed a disturbing trend where these voices are being stifled.

 

The Suppression of Conscience: Cases in Point

Across the UK, doctors and other healthcare workers have faced investigations, suspensions, and professional scrutiny for expressing solidarity with Palestinians or critiquing Israeli government actions. These actions often come despite adherence to guidelines that champion free expression and advocacy.

  • Dr. Reihana Ali: Investigated by the General Medical Council (GMC) following complaints regarding her social media posts concerning the Israel-Gaza conflict. Dr. Ali ultimately won her case at the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS), with the tribunal concluding that her fitness to practice was NOT impaired. This victory underscores the right of medical professionals to engage in political expression without undue professional reprisal.

  • Dr. Rahmeh AlAdwan: Faced similar GMC fitness to practice proceedings over her social media communications regarding the conflict. Dr. AlAdwan also successfully defended her position at the MPTS Tribunal, where it was determined that her fitness to practice was NOT impaired. Her case further highlights the importance of robust defense against allegations that seek to conflate political commentary with professional misconduct.

  • Dr. Nadeem Crowe: An Emergency Medicine doctor, was suspended by the Royal Free London NHS Trust over his social media posts regarding the Israel-Gaza conflict. His ongoing employment tribunal case challenges the lawfulness of his suspension and raises critical questions about freedom of expression for contracted NHS staff and the hospital's disciplinary policies.

  • Dr. Ellen Kriesels: Currently facing GMC fitness to practice proceedings for allegations concerning her social media posts on the Israel-Gaza conflict. Her case continues to be a focal point in the broader debate about the limits of professional speech.

These are not isolated incidents but part of a broader pattern where expressions of concern for Palestinian lives are being mischaracterized and weaponized against healthcare workers.

 

The Role of Advocacy Groups in Censorship Efforts

A significant driver behind these disciplinary actions appears to be concerted efforts by specific advocacy groups. Organizations such as UK Lawyers for Israel (UKLFI), Campaign Against Antisemitism (CAA), and GnasherJew have been highly active in monitoring and reporting healthcare professionals' social media activity to their employers and regulatory bodies like the GMC.

While these groups state their aim is to combat antisemitism, their actions have frequently led to investigations against medical professionals whose posts primarily focus on humanitarian concerns, international law, or critiques of government policy rather than targeting Jewish people. This has created a chilling effect, where doctors fear expressing legitimate humanitarian concerns due to the risk of career-damaging allegations and lengthy, stressful investigations.

 

Our Commitment

We believe that censorship of healthcare professionals, particularly on issues of profound human rights, undermines the very principles of an ethical medical practice and a healthy democracy. Our mission is to:

  • Amplify the voices of healthcare professionals advocating for human rights.

  • Provide support and resources for those facing unjust disciplinary action.

  • Challenge censorship that stifles legitimate humanitarian concerns.

  • Advocate for clear, fair guidelines that protect freedom of expression while upholding genuine professional standards.

Join us in defending the right of healthcare professionals to speak truth to power and advocate for all lives, without fear of reprisal. Their voices are a moral compass we cannot afford to lose.