Human rights lawyer Francesca Albanese has spoken about her experience living under US sanctions in a new podcast interview. The UN's special rapporteur for Palestine discussed the war in Gaza, the impact of sanctions on her life, and accusations of antisemitism she has faced.
Sanctions Imposed by Trump Administration
In July last year, the Trump administration imposed sanctions on Albanese over her engagement with the International Criminal Court. This placed her alongside figures such as Vladimir Putin and Bashir al-Assad. She described the sanctions as "equating to a civil death," as she is unable to access her bank accounts, savings, or continue her work as a lecturer.
Brief Legal Victory
On 13 May, her family won a case in a US court, arguing that she was being punished for speaking out against Israeli crimes in Gaza. However, the reprieve was short-lived. The US government successfully appealed against the decision last week, and the sanctions are back in place.
In the podcast, Albanese talks to Nosheen Iqbal about the profound impact of sanctions on her daily life, the ongoing situation in Gaza, and the accusations of antisemitism she has faced over the last two years.
