Lawsuit claims penalties violate free speech protections
The family of independent UN investigator Francesca Albanese has sued the Trump administration, arguing that sanctions imposed last year violate constitutional free speech protections. The lawsuit, filed in a US District Court in Washington, was brought by Albanese’s husband and minor child, who detailed the toll the penalties allegedly took on their personal and professional lives.
According to the filing, the sanctions limited access to the family’s home in the US capital and disrupted daily life. The complaint states that Albanese’s public views on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the International Criminal Court fall squarely under First Amendment protections. It argues that authorities punished her for opinions they disagreed with or found politically damaging.
The White House and State Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment. However, the legal challenge directly questions whether the government can impose sanctions on an individual over expressed views and recommendations.
Sanctions tied to criticism of Israel’s Gaza campaign
Albanese serves as the UN special rapporteur for the West Bank and Gaza, appointed by the UN Human Rights Council. She has investigated alleged human rights violations in Palestinian territories and repeatedly accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza, an allegation both Israel and the United States reject.
Washington imposed sanctions in July after failing to pressure the UN body to remove her. Despite the penalties, Albanese has continued publishing reports critical of Israeli policies, including claims about a “genocidal economy” in Palestinian areas.
Meanwhile, Israeli strikes have strained a US-brokered ceasefire reached in October. Although some progress has emerged, disputes between Israel and Hamas over withdrawals and disarmament remain unresolved. While special rapporteurs lack formal authority, their findings often shape international legal debates and influence global justice efforts.
