Judge Halts Trump Sanctions on UN Human Rights Expert Francesca Albanese

A federal judge has temporarily halted United States sanctions against Francesca Albanese, a United Nations expert monitoring human rights in the occupied Palestinian territory. The ruling, issued by U.S. District Judge Richard Leon on Wednesday, grants a preliminary injunction that blocks the Trump administration's restrictions imposed in July 2025.

The sanctions were triggered after Albanese publicly criticized Washington's policy regarding the conflict in Gaza. The Trump administration labeled her "unfit" for her role, accusing her of engaging in "biased and malicious activities" against the United States and its ally, Israel. These measures effectively barred the Italian lawyer from entering the U.S., using American banks, and conducting business with anyone in the country.

Judge Leon determined that the sanctions were an attempt to regulate speech based on the "idea or message expressed." In his memorandum opinion, he wrote, "Albanese has done nothing more than speak." He further noted, "It is undisputed that her recommendations have no binding effect on the ICC's actions – they are nothing more than her opinion."

The legal challenge was filed in February by Albanese's husband and daughter, a U.S. citizen. They argued that the sanctions were a punishment for bringing attention to alleged rights abuses by Israel. The plaintiffs claimed the measures were "effectively debanking her and making it nearly impossible to meet the needs of her daily life."

Albanese, who has served as the UN Human Rights Council's special rapporteur for the West Bank and Gaza since 2022, welcomed the decision. In a statement posted on social media, she credited her family and supporters. "Thanks to my daughter and my husband for stepping up to defend me, and everyone who has helped so far," she said. "Together we are One.