On Wednesday, Iran’s state-run PressTV reported on Francesca Albanese, the United Nations Special Rapporteur for Palestinians, receiving praise.
Albanese faced sanctions from the US State Department for her advocacy against Israel and the United States.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio criticized Albanese, stating, “The US has been under fire for the biased actions of Albanese, who has become unfit for her role as a special rapporteur,” in response to the sanctions announced that day.
He continued, saying Albanese has shown anti-Semitism, supported terrorism, and openly protested against the US, Israel, and the West.
Rubio noted her biased history, which includes her calls for the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate Israeli officials.
He emphasized that both the US and Israel were part of the agreements that established the ICC, so her attempts to use it against them were a “complete infringement on sovereignty.”
Rubio accused her of sending intimidating letters to multiple organizations, urging investigations and prosecutions against major American corporations in various sectors, which he deemed unacceptable.
PressTV seemed to support Albanese’s actions, especially the ICC’s warrant against Israeli leaders Netanyahu and Gallant for alleged war crimes; this warrant was issued following a significant report detailing military operations in Gaza.
This report suggested evidence of intentions to systematically destroy Palestinians, asserting that these actions could be characterized as genocide under international law.
Iran’s media applauded the US State Department’s use of the term “genocide” regarding Israel’s actions in Gaza, advocating for an arms embargo against Israel.
PressTV criticized the US for providing substantial military aid to Israel, linking its support to the ongoing violence impacting thousands of Palestinians.
They registered their discontent, asserting that Washington protects Israel from consequences on the international stage.
Critics of Albanese had a much different perspective.
Anne Beyfsky from the Voice of Human Rights commended the State Department for taking action against what she described as Albanese’s violent anti-Semitism, stating, “Albanese is a threat to American citizens, and the US isn’t obligated to recognize her.”
Rubio’s sanctions might restrict Albanese’s entry into the US, though details were unclear as of Wednesday morning.
Hillel Neuer of UN Watch dubbed Rubio’s actions as “bold and courageous,” suggesting that Albanese’s reappointment was historically unprecedented.
He argued that the UN should have addressed complaints against her qualifications when determining her reappointment.
Neuer cautioned that, due to the illegality of her reappointment, Albanese would lack diplomatic immunity if countries chose to act against her.
“Justice has been served. A triumph over evil,” Neuer added.
In response, Albanese called the sanctions “indecent” and reminiscent of “mafia-like tactics.”
She claimed, “I stand by my criticism of Israel’s actions, which I view as genocide and war crimes.”
Albanese refrained from condemning the violence by Hamas on October 7, framing it instead as a response to Israeli oppression, which drew scrutiny from the US, Israel, and European governments.
The UN’s spokesperson condemned the US sanctions, denoting them as “unacceptable,” warning that such unilateral actions against UN officials could present a dangerous precedent.
