Albanese, the Italian-born United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territories, has been placed under US sanctions for alleged antisemitism in denouncing Israel’s purported “genocide” in Gaza.
Calling on Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani to brief parliament on the matter, Schlein referred to the 48-year-old Avellino native and University of Pisa graduate, who has served as the UN Special Rapporteur for just over three years.
“I express my solidarity, and that of the Democratic Party, with Francesca Albanese, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the occupied Palestinian territories, in light of the serious attack she is currently facing from the Trump administration, with sanctions announced against her by [Secretary of State Marco] Rubio,” Schlein said.
“This is not only yet another attack on multilateralism by Trump but also confirmation of his support for [Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu’s criminal plan in Palestine, which Albanese has consistently denounced in strong terms.
“I find it shameful that the Italian government has not uttered a single word in defence of an Italian citizen who holds such a significant position at the UN,” Schlein continued.
“This silence from Meloni and Tajani embarrasses Italy and adds to their inaction regarding what is happening in Gaza and throughout Palestine.”
ANSA
