Francesca Albanese

Francesca Albanese is the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967. She is an Italian lawyer and human rights expert. Albanese's work and statements have recently generated significant controversy. She presented a report to the UN Human Rights Council alleging that Israel has been given a 'licence to torture Palestinians,' prompting strong reactions. She also called for investigations and arrest warrants for three Israeli ministers, accusing them of responsibility for torture against Palestinians. These statements have led to protests during her appearances, including in Germany, where she was confronted by pro-Israeli demonstrators accusing her of supporting Hamas. Despite the controversy, three Flemish universities in Belgium awarded her an honorary doctorate. In France, a lawmaker is under investigation for allegedly spreading false information about Albanese. The Deutsche Welle's Israel coverage is also being criticized in relation to Albanese's work.