The United States has reinstated sanctions against Francesca Albanese, a United Nations expert on the Palestinian territories known for her harsh criticism of Israel, following a successful court appeal. The U.S. Treasury Department announced the reimposition on Wednesday after an appeals court issued an administrative stay on an earlier ruling that had blocked the sanctions.
Background of the case
Albanese, an Italian national, serves as the UN special rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories. She has been a vocal critic of Israel's policies, including accusations of genocide in Gaza during the military campaign that followed the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks. The sanctions blacklist her globally, barring her from using major credit cards or conducting bank transactions.
The legal challenge against the sanctions was brought by Albanese's husband, Massimiliano Cali, on behalf of their minor child, who is a U.S. citizen. The appeals court's administrative stay temporarily paused a lower court's decision while it reviews the case merits.
Allegations and denials
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who imposed the sanctions in July last year, accused Albanese of spreading antisemitism, expressing support for terrorism, and showing contempt for the United States, Israel, and Western nations. Albanese has denied these allegations, which have also been leveled by Israeli officials.
The reimposition of sanctions marks a significant escalation in the ongoing dispute between the U.S. and the UN expert, highlighting tensions over international criticism of Israel's actions in the Palestinian territories.
