A groundbreaking defamation lawsuit has been filed against Francesca Albanese, the United Nations’ so-called Palestinian rights envoy, after she waged what plaintiffs describe as a “defamatory, derogatory, and hateful” campaign against two U.S.-based pro-Israel groups.
The Christian Friends of Israeli Communities and Christians for Israel allege Albanese “knowingly spread malicious lies” when she accused them of facilitating “gross violations of human rights” and even “tax fraud” for their support of Israel. The suit claims her threats damaged their reputations and financial stability, warranting both compensatory and punitive damages.
Albanese issued the threats while her UN mandate had expired, undermining her claim to diplomatic immunity. The plaintiffs argue her “mandate legally expired on April 30, 2025,” making her personally liable for the letters and her subsequent report, provocatively titled From economy of occupation to economy of genocide.
The case has the potential to strike at the long-abused shield of diplomatic immunity. As George Mason University law professor Eugene Kontorovich noted, “Some of the vilest antisemites and terror supporters have sought to shield themselves from accountability for their actions by hiding behind the UN flag.”
Rachel Sebbag, litigation counsel for the plaintiffs, put it plainly: “If a racist anti-Semite gains a position of power and proceeds to abuse the public platform she enjoys … she can and should be held liable for defamation.”
