A federal judge has temporarily blocked sanctions imposed by the United States against Francesca Albanese, a United Nations special rapporteur on human rights in the Palestinian territories. The judge ruled that the measures likely violated her free speech rights after the administration penalized her for sharply criticizing Israel.

The sanctions barred Albanese from entering the United States and restricted her access to banking services there. She had called on the International Criminal Court to pursue war crimes charges against Israeli and American nationals, prompting the administration’s response.

Her husband and daughter, who is a United States citizen, filed a lawsuit arguing that the sanctions effectively cut off her financial access and made it nearly impossible to manage daily life. The judge determined that her residence outside the country does not negate her constitutional protections and found that the sanctions were aimed at the message she expressed.

Albanese has characterized the measures as part of a broader effort by the United States to undermine international accountability mechanisms. The case remains ongoing.