An international campaign for the release of Palestinian political leader Marwan Barghouti, who has spent more than two decades in an Israeli prison, has gained support from prominent figures in the global entertainment industry.
More than 200 artists and cultural figures have reportedly backed the “Freedom for Marwan” campaign, including at least 20 actors associated with Marvel films. The campaign is being promoted by the Free Marwan Now group.
Among the actors supporting the initiative are Benedict Cumberbatch, known for playing Doctor Strange, Mark Ruffalo, who portrayed the Hulk, Ian McKellen, famous for his role as Magneto, as well as Cate Blanchett and Tilda Swinton.
In a statement, campaign organizers said they were deeply concerned about Barghouti’s prolonged imprisonment, allegations of mistreatment while in custody and what they described as the denial of his legal rights.
They have urged the United Nations and governments around the world to take steps toward securing his release from an Israeli prison.
How the campaign began
Barghouti’s family reportedly launched the international campaign late last year with support from human rights and civil society organizations in the United Kingdom.
The campaign has attracted support beyond the film industry. Musicians, writers and directors from several countries have also signed the statement calling for his release.
In May this year, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa became the first sitting head of state to sign an international petition seeking Barghouti’s release.
Who is Marwan Barghouti?
Barghouti is a senior figure in Fatah, the dominant political movement within the Palestinian Authority. He was also a former leader of the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, an armed group associated with Fatah.
He played a prominent role during both the First and Second Palestinian Intifadas. Israeli forces arrested him in 2002.
Why was he sentenced?
Israeli authorities accused Barghouti of involvement in planning a series of shootings and suicide bombings targeting Israelis between 2001 and 2002.
In 2004, an Israeli court convicted him on charges related to five killings and one attempted killing. He was sentenced to five consecutive life terms, along with an additional 40 years in prison.
Barghouti has consistently rejected the legitimacy of the Israeli court’s jurisdiction and the proceedings against him.
A popular Palestinian figure
Despite spending more than two decades behind bars, Barghouti remains a highly influential figure among Palestinians and is viewed by many as a symbol of the Palestinian national cause.
Recent opinion polling has also placed him among the most popular potential candidates for a future Palestinian presidential election, with around 54% of respondents in one survey expressing support for him.
Because of his political stature, long imprisonment and symbolic importance to Palestinians, supporters and some international campaigners have compared Barghouti to Nelson Mandela, referring to him as the “Palestinian Nelson Mandela.”
