A new petition urging world governments to intervene on behalf of imprisoned Palestinian figure Marwan Barghouti has drawn support from more than 200 artists, writers, and entertainers. The campaign, dubbed “Free Marwan,” made the signatories public this week as organizers pushed for renewed pressure on Israel to release him, reports the Times of Israel.
The list includes mix of well-known cultural voices, including several Jewish signatories.
British actor Stephen Fry, singer-songwriter Paul Simon, actresses Hannah Einbinder and Ilana Glazer, and British performer Miriam Margolyes were among those who signed. Other high-profile names include Mark Ruffalo, Sir Ian McKellen, Benedict Cumberbatch, Tilda Swinton, Josh O’Connor, Annie Lennox, Sting, Brian Eno, and author Margaret Atwood.
In the petition, supporters said they were “gravely concerned” about Barghouti’s ongoing imprisonment. “We express our grave concern at the continuing imprisonment of Marwan Barghouti, his violent mistreatment and denial of legal rights whilst imprisoned. We call upon the United Nations and the Governments of the World to actively seek the release of Marwan Barghouti from Israeli prison,” the statement reads.
Barghouti has been in custody since 2002 and remains one of the most prominent Palestinian political figures in Israeli detention. He is widely viewed within Palestinian politics as a possible successor to President Mahmoud Abbas. Israeli courts convicted him during the Second Intifada for his role in organizing attacks that killed five civilians. He is serving five consecutive life sentences, plus an additional 40 years.
The campaign behind the petition says interest in Barghouti’s case has grown as international attention focuses again on the future of Palestinian leadership. Organizers argue that his release is essential for any long-term political resolution.
Supporters of the effort are pushing for diplomatic engagement at the UN and from Western governments, saying international pressure is necessary because Barghouti has been held for more than two decades.
The list includes mix of well-known cultural voices, including several Jewish signatories.
British actor Stephen Fry, singer-songwriter Paul Simon, actresses Hannah Einbinder and Ilana Glazer, and British performer Miriam Margolyes were among those who signed. Other high-profile names include Mark Ruffalo, Sir Ian McKellen, Benedict Cumberbatch, Tilda Swinton, Josh O’Connor, Annie Lennox, Sting, Brian Eno, and author Margaret Atwood.
In the petition, supporters said they were “gravely concerned” about Barghouti’s ongoing imprisonment. “We express our grave concern at the continuing imprisonment of Marwan Barghouti, his violent mistreatment and denial of legal rights whilst imprisoned. We call upon the United Nations and the Governments of the World to actively seek the release of Marwan Barghouti from Israeli prison,” the statement reads.
Barghouti has been in custody since 2002 and remains one of the most prominent Palestinian political figures in Israeli detention. He is widely viewed within Palestinian politics as a possible successor to President Mahmoud Abbas. Israeli courts convicted him during the Second Intifada for his role in organizing attacks that killed five civilians. He is serving five consecutive life sentences, plus an additional 40 years.
The campaign behind the petition says interest in Barghouti’s case has grown as international attention focuses again on the future of Palestinian leadership. Organizers argue that his release is essential for any long-term political resolution.
Supporters of the effort are pushing for diplomatic engagement at the UN and from Western governments, saying international pressure is necessary because Barghouti has been held for more than two decades.
