US Judge Stops Punishments for UN Expert

May 14, 2026, 09:16
InternationalInternational

Introduction

A US judge stopped the government from punishing Francesca Albanese. She is an expert for the United Nations.

Main Body

The US government put sanctions on Ms. Albanese in July 2025. They said her work was bad. Because of this, she could not enter the US. She also could not use US banks. Ms. Albanese's family went to court in February. They said the government wanted to stop her from speaking. They said she could not pay for her daily needs because she had no bank account. Judge Richard Leon looked at the case. He said the government tried to control her words. He said everyone has the right to free speech, even people who do not live in the US.

Conclusion

The punishments are now stopped. The judge says the government broke the law about free speech.

Learning

πŸ’‘ Focus: "Could Not"

In this story, we see a pattern used to talk about things that were impossible in the past.

The Pattern: Could not + Action Verb β†’\rightarrow Something was impossible.

Examples from the text:

  • She could not enter the US. β†’\rightarrow Entry was impossible.
  • She could not use US banks. β†’\rightarrow Using money was impossible.
  • She could not pay for her daily needs. β†’\rightarrow Paying was impossible.

Quick Rule for A2: When you want to say "I didn't have the ability" or "The law stopped me" in the past, use could not.

Compare:

  • Now: I cannot go. (Present)
  • Before: I could not go. (Past)

Vocabulary Learning

judge (n.)
A person who decides cases in a court of law.
Example:The judge listened to both sides before giving a verdict.
government (n.)
The group of people who run a country.
Example:The government announced new rules for all citizens.
punish (v.)
To give a penalty for a wrongdoing.
Example:The teacher will punish the student for breaking the rules.
expert (n.)
A person who knows a lot about something.
Example:She is an expert in ancient history.
sanctions (n.)
Official restrictions or penalties imposed by a government.
Example:The country faced sanctions for its actions.
bad (adj.)
Not good; harmful or undesirable.
Example:He made a bad decision that cost him money.
enter (v.)
To go into a place or system.
Example:She entered the room quietly and took a seat.
banks (n.)
Financial institutions that hold money and offer services.
Example:He went to the banks to withdraw cash for his trip.
family (n.)
A group of related people who live together.
Example:The family celebrated the holiday together.
court (n.)
A place where legal cases are heard and decided.
Example:The case was sent to the court for a trial.
control (v.)
To manage or influence the actions or behavior of someone or something.
Example:The manager tried to control the project schedule.
words (n.)
Units of language that convey meaning and are spoken or written.
Example:Her words were kind and encouraging.
right (n.)
A moral or legal entitlement that someone has.
Example:Everyone has the right to speak freely.
law (n.)
Rules made by a government to maintain order and justice.
Example:The law requires everyone to wear seat belts while driving.