The UN special rapporteur for the Palestinians, Francesca Albanese, is ignoring a defamation lawsuit filed against her in the US, according to court filings.
Two pro-Israel US Christian groups sued Albanese in September for alleged defamation and libel, claiming she sought to harm them due to their support for Israel.
The lawsuit said Albanese sent letters to the two groups accusing them of human rights violations, war crimes, crimes against humanity and apartheid, and published a UN report that attacked the groups.
In a legal document filed today, the plaintiffs say Albanese has not responded to the lawsuit within the timeframe allotted to her.
She was supposed to have responded to a motion by December 30, the filings say.
“That time has passed. Defendant has made no response, answer, or appearance,” lawyers for the plaintiffs tell the court.
The lawyers for the plaintiffs request that the court rule on the case absence of Albanese’s response.
Albanese is already under US sanctions, meaning she cannot travel to the US or carry out any financial transactions linked to the US.
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From the Liveblog of
Thursday, January 8, 2026
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