UPDATE: A prominent Jewish civil rights group has issued an urgent warning to Amazon, demanding the online retail giant block payments for a forthcoming book by Francesca Albanese, a UN official sanctioned by the US. The National Jewish Advocacy Center alerted Amazon that selling Albanese’s book could violate federal sanctions law, potentially exposing the company to serious legal repercussions.
Francesca Albanese, the UN special rapporteur on the Palestinian territories, has ignited controversy with her claims accusing Israel of genocide and apartheid. Her book, titled “When the World Sleeps: Stories, Words, and Wounds of Palestine,” is slated for release in April 2024 and is already listed as a bestseller in the human rights category on Amazon’s website.
Mark Goldfeder, head of the National Jewish Advocacy Center, stated on X that the organization notified Amazon that Albanese is prohibited from receiving any financial benefits due to her status as a Specially Designated National. Goldfeder emphasized that under US law, all property and interests of sanctioned individuals are blocked, preventing US firms from transferring funds to her without specific authorization.
Earlier today, Goldfeder tweeted, “Today we issued notice to Amazon and others about potential sanctions violations connected to @FranceskAlbs new book.” The US sanctioned Albanese in July 2023, alleging she improperly coordinated with the International Criminal Court and engaged in actions against US and Israeli interests.
Goldfeder elaborated that Amazon’s platform effectively “promotes and sells Ms. Francesca Albanese’s publications, directly enhancing her revenue.” He warned that this could lead to civil penalties under US sanctions law. “The issue is not the book’s content but whether US companies may legally conduct business with a sanctioned individual,” Goldfeder stated.
In a striking legal move, the National Jewish Advocacy Center has already filed a lawsuit against Albanese in a Colorado federal court on behalf of two pro-Israel organizations. The lawsuit accuses Albanese of falsely implicating these groups in genocide and war crimes, claiming her statements have severely damaged their reputations and threatened their charitable operations. The plaintiffs are seeking damages, a retraction of the statements, and a court order prohibiting her from making similar claims in the future.
Albanese has dismissed the legal threats as mere attempts to stifle her voice, claiming the backlash serves as “more free ads” for her book. She criticized those opposing her as “the pro-Israel minions” and has faced significant professional consequences in the United States, including her recent removal from Georgetown University’s list of affiliated scholars following the sanctions.
As this situation develops, the impact on both Albanese’s book launch and the legal landscape for sanctions compliance in the publishing industry remains to be seen. The National Jewish Advocacy Center’s ongoing efforts could reshape how companies like Amazon handle transactions involving sanctioned individuals.
Authorities and stakeholders await Amazon’s response to this urgent call to action, which could set a precedent for future dealings with controversial figures in international politics. The implications of this case for free speech versus legal compliance continue to resonate, making it a critical matter for both the Jewish community and advocates for human rights.
As the debate unfolds, many are watching closely to see how Amazon will navigate these complex legal waters and what it means for the future of Albanese’s controversial book.
