Govt Silence on Albanese Criticized by PD Leader Schlein

Rome: The government’s silence regarding Francesca Albanese, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territories who is currently facing US sanctions, has been labeled as “shameful” by Elly Schlein, the leader of the centre-left opposition Democratic Party (PD). Albanese, an Italian-born native of Avellino and a graduate of Pisa University, has been accused of antisemitism due to her denunciation of Israel’s alleged actions in Gaza.

According to Ansa News Agency, Schlein has urged Foreign Minister and Deputy Premier Antonio Tajani to address the parliament concerning the situation of the 48-year-old UN rapporteur, who has served in her role for just over three years. Schlein expressed her solidarity with Albanese and criticized the sanctions imposed by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, which she perceives as part of a broader attack from the Trump administration.

Schlein further characterized these sanctions as another assault on multilateralism by US President Donald Trump, highlighting what she sees as his support for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s plans in Palestine. Albanese has been a vocal critic of these plans, which she has described as criminal.

The PD leader expressed disappointment in the Italian government’s lack of response, emphasizing that the silence from Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Foreign Minister Tajani is embarrassing for Italy. Schlein argued that the government’s inaction not only fails to support an Italian citizen in a crucial UN role but also reflects a broader inaction regarding the ongoing situation in Gaza and Palestine.