Albanese Removed from Sanction List
The United States has removed Francesca Albanese, an Italian lawyer and UN special rapporteur on the Israeli-occupied Palestinian territories, from its list of sanctioned individuals. The decision follows a federal judge’s temporary block on the sanctions, citing potential violations of her free speech rights.
Details:
Albanese had recommended the International Criminal Court pursue war-crimes prosecutions against Israeli and American nationals. She also accused major US companies of complicity in Israel’s “ongoing genocidal campaign in Gaza.”
The Trump administration imposed the sanctions in July 2025, alleging Albanese’s efforts to prompt the ICC to take action against US and Israeli officials, companies, and executives.
US District Judge Richard Leon found that Albanese’s residency outside the US did not undermine her First Amendment protections. The sanctions were lifted following this ruling.