A campaign spearheaded by prominent Hollywood figures has emerged, advocating for the release of Palestinian leader Marwan Barghouti, who is currently serving five consecutive life sentences for orchestrating deadly attacks against Israeli civilians. High-profile actors, including Benedict Cumberbatch, Mark Ruffalo, and Sir Ian McKellen, joined approximately 200 public figures in urging the international community to exert pressure on Israel for Barghouti’s release.
The petition highlights concerns about Barghouti’s imprisonment, claiming he has faced “violent mistreatment and denial of legal rights.” The signatories call upon the United Nations and global governments to actively seek his release. They depict Barghouti as a “powerful symbol of unity and a long-time advocate for freedom and dignity for the Palestinian people,” asserting he has been “illegally held by Israel” for over two decades.
The campaign, promoted under the slogan “Free Marwan,” includes a website that presents an account of Barghouti’s life. It frames him as “a husband and a father” and a “nation builder,” emphasizing his belief in a future governed by international law. However, the campaign notably omits critical information about Barghouti’s conviction for orchestrating multiple terror attacks during the Second Intifada, which resulted in the deaths of five individuals, including four Israelis and a Greek monk.
In 2004, a Tel Aviv District Court found Barghouti guilty of directly ordering a series of fatal attacks, including a drive-by shooting in June 2001, a shooting at a gas station in January 2002, and another attack at a restaurant in March 2002. The court also held him morally responsible for numerous other attacks that led to additional casualties. His sentence includes five life terms plus 20 years for involvement in a failed suicide bombing.
Despite his conviction, Barghouti remains popular among Palestinians, often topping polls as the preferred candidate to lead the Palestinian Authority if elections were to occur. Supporters abroad have characterized him as a leader poised to contribute to peace efforts, particularly a two-state solution. Yet, many foreign policy analysts question this portrayal. A report by the Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center in 2017 suggested that expectations of Barghouti as a potential peace partner are “somewhat exaggerated,” noting that his history and extremist views could hinder peace negotiations.
The report warns that releasing Barghouti could undermine efforts for peace, as it would likely embolden extremist demands and perpetuate violence against Israel. The chief political correspondent for Israel’s Channel 12 News, Amit Segal, criticized the campaign, accusing its supporters of “sanitizing the crimes of a serial killer.” Segal emphasized the gravity of Barghouti’s actions, declaring, “To compare him to Nelson Mandela is a grotesque insult to history and humanity.”
As the campaign unfolds, it highlights the complex and contentious nature of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, where narratives and perspectives are often sharply divided. The calls for Barghouti’s release will likely continue to evoke strong reactions from both supporters and opponents, reflecting the broader tensions in the region.
