Sydney, Australia — April 2025
In a resounding vindication of his name, Dr. Faisal Qidwai, a highly respected GP and medical professional, has been fully cleared of all criminal charges that were the subject of a damaging and now discredited article published by the Daily Telegraph in July 2024. Despite the serious and sensationalist allegations made in that article—many of which were later dropped or dismissed—no evidence was ultimately found to support them.
The Truth Behind the Headlines
On July 19, 2024, The Daily Telegraph published an article titled “Rhodes GP Faisal Qidwai charged with assaulting, choking estranged wife,” which painted a disturbing and deeply misleading picture of Dr. Qidwai. The article, filled with unverified quotes and inflammatory accusations, quickly spread across search engines and social media, resulting in significant reputational, psychological, and professional harm to Dr. Qidwai.
However, what the Daily Telegraph failed to report—and what remains absent from its online platforms—is that all charges against Dr. Qidwai have since been dismissed by the Local Court under applicable legal standards. This includes the most serious allegations under sections 37(1a) and 61 of the Crimes Act 1900, which were dropped by the NSW Police due to a lack of evidence and lack of public interest in pursuing the matter.
Key Facts: What the Public Deserves to Know
- On November 15, 2024, all remaining charges against Dr. Qidwai were dismissed, with no findings made against him.
- The most serious and defamatory claims—including graphic threats that were never proven—were not maintained by the NSW Police at the final hearing.
- Three of the initial charges had already been withdrawn by prosecutors well before the final hearing.
- At no point was Dr. Qidwai given an opportunity to respond to the allegations in the article, a clear breach of journalistic ethics.
The Human Cost of Irresponsible Journalism
As a result of the article’s publication, Dr. Qidwai has experienced serious challenges, not only as a medical professional but as someone whose personal life was inappropriately exposed to public scrutiny.
The original article went so far as to reference Dr. Qidwai’s late parents, his workplace, and his medical practice—details that served no public interest but have caused enduring harm to his privacy and his livelihood.
Despite repeated requests from Dr. Qidwai’s legal representatives, Buttar, Caldwell & Co., the Daily Telegraph has not updated, amended, or removed the misleading article, nor has it published any follow-up reporting to acknowledge the dismissal of charges.
Why This Matters
This case raises serious questions about the responsibilities of the media in reporting legal matters, especially when lives and reputations hang in the balance. The Australian Press Council’s Statement of Principles requires publications to ensure accuracy, fairness, and balance—standards which were clearly not met in the Daily Telegraph’s handling of Dr. Qidwai’s case.
By failing to correct the record after the charges were dismissed, The Daily Telegraph has contributed to an ongoing public misunderstanding, continuing to allow a false narrative to dominate online searches associated with Dr. Qidwai’s name.
Setting the Record Straight
Dr. Qidwai has spent decades building a career based on compassion, medical excellence, and community service. The events of the past year have not only tested his resilience but have demonstrated the devastating consequences that irresponsible reporting can have on innocent individuals.
He is now focused on rebuilding his life and continuing to provide care to his patients, free from the shadow of unfounded allegations. As this article makes clear: Dr. Faisal Qidwai has been cleared of all charges and has committed no wrongdoing.
A Call for Accountability
This situation is not just about one man’s reputation—it is about the importance of media accountability and the need for platforms to ensure that truth is given as much space and visibility as accusations.
Dr Qidwai’s legal team has formally requested that The Daily Telegraph remove the article and issue a correction. So far, the request has not been met. His lawyers have made it clear that further legal and regulatory complaints will follow if the false reporting continues to be available online.
This case highlights the dangers of trial by media, and why platforms must be held accountable when they fail to update or remove false and misleading stories.
We urge readers, journalists, and institutions alike to consider the real human impact behind headlines, and to stand up for fairness, due process, and the presumption of innocence.
