A PALESTINIAN doctor facing charges arising from a sting targeting the New IRA is set to challenge a decision to suspend him from medical practice.
Dr Issam Bassalat is one of ten people charged with a series of offences arising out of the MI5-lead surveillance operation connected to Operation Arbacia.
He is due to appear at a Scottish court today to challenge an attempt by the General Medical Council (GMC) to extend the suspension of his licence to practice medicine.
In October 2020 the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service, a statutory committee of the GMC, suspended Dr Bassalat's licence to practice and he has been unable to practice since then
The GP, who suffered a heart attack in Maghaberry Prison last year, was later granted bail and has since returned to his home in Edinburgh.
Suspected British agent Dennis McFadden is believed to have rented two properties in Co Tyrone used for separate meetings allegedly involving senior members of the New IRA, which were recorded using video and audio devices.
Dr Bassalat is alleged to have attended one of the meetings.
His solicitor Gavin Booth, of Phoenix Law, previously told a court the doctor was lured to Belfast under false pretences by McFadden.
He is charged with preparation of terrorist acts while nine others face charges including directing terrorism.
All the accused deny the allegations.
Campaign group Scotland Against Criminalising Communities (SACC) last night said the GMC has applied to the Court of Session in Edinburgh for Dr Bassalat's suspension to be extended and he is expected to represent himself at today's hearing.
A spokeswoman for the GMC said: " Dr Issam Bassalat is interim suspended pending the conclusion of a criminal investigation and General Medical Council investigation into the serious allegations against him.
"An independent Interim Orders Tribunal (IOT) at the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS) imposed the measure following an interim hearing on 26 October 2020.
"These hearings make independent decisions about whether restrictions are necessary to protect patients or doctors; or to maintain public confidence in the profession while we assess the evidence."
