The family of independent UN investigator Francesca Albanese has sued the Trump administration over sanctions imposed on her last year for criticising Israel’s policies during the Gaza war, arguing the penalties violate the First Amendment.
The lawsuit, filed on Wednesday in the US District Court in Washington, was brought by Albanese’s husband and minor child. It details the severe impact of the sanctions on their family life and work, including the loss of access to their home in Washington, D.C.
“Francesca’s expression of her views about the facts as she has found them in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and about the work of the ICC is core First Amendment activity,” the lawsuit states, referring to the International Criminal Court, which has issued arrest warrants for Israeli officials including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over alleged war crimes.
“At its heart, this case concerns whether Defendants can sanction a person – ruining their life and the lives of their loved ones, including their citizen daughter – because Defendants disagree with their recommendations or fear their persuasiveness,” the filing adds.
Neither the White House nor the State Department has commented on the pending litigation. Albanese, the UN Special Rapporteur for the West Bank and Gaza, was sanctioned by the US in July after criticising Israel’s military campaign and describing the situation as “genocide” – an accusation both Israel and the US deny.
The sanctions have not deterred Albanese, who continues to issue reports on Israeli actions. Her husband and child now seek relief through the courts, arguing that the penalties violate constitutional protections.
