Bankstown nurses face legal battle over video

Former Sydney nurses Sarah Abu Lebdeh, 26, and Ahmad Rashad Nadir, 27, have appeared in court for the first time after being charged over an alleged antisemitic video in which they discussed refusing to treat Israeli patients and threatening to kill them. The case now faces a potential legal hurdle, as Nadir’s lawyer has signalled plans to challenge the video’s admissibility, arguing it was recorded without his client’s knowledge.

The pair were employed at Bankstown-Lidcombe Hospital when they allegedly made the comments during an online video chat on the platform Chatruletka. The video, shared widely on social media by Israeli content creator Max Veifer, sparked national outrage and condemnation from political leaders, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and New South Wales Premier Chris Minns.

Abu Lebdeh and Nadir arrived separately at Sydney’s Downing Centre Local Court on Wednesday. Abu Lebdeh, flanked by a group of men in black hoods shielding her from the media, remained silent as she was ushered inside. Nadir arrived soon after, accompanied only by his legal team. Neither spoke during the proceedings, which lasted only briefly before the magistrate adjourned the case until May 13. Both were excused from attending the next hearing.

Outside the courthouse, Nadir’s lawyer, Zemarai Khatiz, announced his client would plead not guilty and challenge the prosecution’s key piece of evidence—the viral video. “The video that was captured and recorded was done without the consent of my client, without his knowledge. And we’ll argue for that to be excluded,” Khatiz told reporters. If the video is deemed inadmissible, it could significantly weaken the prosecution’s case.

Abu Lebdeh faces three Commonwealth charges: threatening violence against a group, using a carriage service to threaten to kill, and using a carriage service to menace, harass, or offend. Her bail conditions prohibit her from leaving Australia or using social media. Nadir has been charged with using a carriage service to menace, harass, or offend, as well as possession of a prohibited drug, allegedly found in his hospital locker.

Following the video’s release, Nadir was hospitalized due to concerns for his mental health. He later apologized through his lawyer, stating that he did not stand by his comments. A family member of Abu Lebdeh also claimed she was remorseful but struggling with anxiety and would make a statement when ready.

Both nurses have been suspended from practice nationwide, with the NSW Nursing and Midwifery Council revoking their registrations. Federal Health Minister Mark Butler emphasised that Australia has “zero tolerance” for discrimination in healthcare.