Famous people support 'Free Marwan' initiative for Palestinian leader

Over 200 prominent figures, including actors Benedict Cumberbatch and Josh OConnor, have urged Israel to free Marwan Barghouti, a Palestinian politician regarded by supporters as a central figure in uniting diverse factions. Barghouti, 66, has been imprisoned since 2002, yet remains a significant potential leader in any future Palestinian state due to his ability to bridge political divides.

The appeal for his release featured contributions from top film stars such as Josh OConnor, Benedict Cumberbatch, and Javier Bardem, alongside musicians including Fontaines D.C. and Sting. Leading authors Sally Rooney, Annie Ernaux, and Margaret Atwood, as well as visual artist Nan Goldin and former footballer and broadcaster Gary Lineker, also endorsed the call.

In their statement, the signatories expressed deep concern over Barghouti's ongoing imprisonment, alleged mistreatment, and denial of legal rights, urging the United Nations and global governments to take active steps for his release.

Many of the supporters have previously campaigned to end the conflict in Gaza, but this new initiative is part of an international "Free Marwan" campaign spearheaded by Barghouti's family.

Known among supporters as the "Mandela of Palestine," Barghouti received five life sentences from an Israeli court in 2004 for deadly attacks during the second Palestinian intifada (2000-2005). At the time of his trial, he was a member of parliament and did not recognize the court, which was later criticized as flawed by the Inter-Parliamentary Union. Israel has consistently declined to release him in any prisoner swaps following the escalation of conflict after Hamas's October 7, 2023, attack.

Barghouti's son reported in October that his father suffered severe injuries, including four broken ribs and head trauma, during a prison transfer in September. Additionally, footage circulated in August showed Israel's far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir confronting a physically frail Barghouti in jail.

Author: Caleb Jennings