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UN Council Silences Critic Amid Controversial Remarks

2/28/2026

Summary

Story summary

The United Nations Human Rights Council cut off a video statement by Anne Bayefsky, director of the Touro Institute, in Geneva.
Bayefsky criticized U.N. officials, including Francesca Albanese, who is under U.S. sanctions for antisemitism.
The council's president deemed her remarks derogatory and not acceptable.
Bayefsky said the speech was silenced to protect certain officials.
The incident echoed a year ago when her comments on Palestinian violence were halted.

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Story summary

The United Nations Human Rights Council cut off a video statement by Anne Bayefsky, director of the Touro Institute, in Geneva.
Bayefsky criticized U.N. officials, including Francesca Albanese, who is under U.S. sanctions for antisemitism.
The council's president deemed her remarks derogatory and not acceptable.
Bayefsky said the speech was silenced to protect certain officials.
The incident echoed a year ago when her comments on Palestinian violence were halted.