Maine University Pulls Support for Palestine Conference, as Francesca Albanese's Family Sues Trump Administration Over Sanctions
In a sudden move, the University of Southern Maine has withdrawn its support for an upcoming conference on Palestine due to the planned participation of Francesca Albanese, a United Nations special rapporteur for the occupied Palestinian territories. Albanese, who has faced US sanctions since last year, is currently embroiled in a lawsuit against the Trump administration filed by her family. Meanwhile, France has withdrawn its resignation request for Albanese at the UN, with the rapporteur expressing her expectation for an apology.
Background and Context
Francesca Albanese has been a vocal supporter of Palestinian rights and has faced US sanctions since July over her public criticism of Israel. According to The Guardian, the University of Southern Maine revoked access to an on-campus venue for the “Consequence of Palestine” conference days before it was set to take place. The conference, which had over 300 registered participants, was due to feature Albanese as a remote guest.
Key Developments
In response to the sanctions imposed by the Trump administration, Albanese's family has filed a lawsuit in the US District Court for the District of Columbia, as reported by Middle East Eye and Al Jazeera English. The suit alleges that the sanctions have cut Albanese off from her Washington home and assets while infringing on her amendment rights.
The sanctions against Albanese have been met with international friction. France initially asked for Albanese's resignation from the UN Human Rights Council, as reported by ANSA and Corriere della Sera. However, France has since renounced this request, with a spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stating that Albanese should make the decision to step back herself.
Reactions and Implications
Albanese's response to the revoked resignation request, as reported by La Repubblica, was that she had expected an apology. The UN Special Coordinator for the Palestinian Territories has been under fire for her repeated and extremely problematic statements,
as reported by Politico.
These developments represent a continuing tension between the Trump administration and international human rights advocates. The sanctions against Albanese and the subsequent withdrawal of support for the Palestine conference highlight the ongoing controversy surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the US's stance on it.
Current Status
As the lawsuit against the Trump administration continues, Albanese remains under sanctions, and the “Consequence of Palestine” conference organizers are left scrambling for a new venue. The situation continues to unfold as international responses and implications are being assessed.