Over 200 cultural figures have joined a global campaign demanding the release of Palestinian leader Marwan Barghouti, condemning Israel’s mistreatment of him and its refusal to free him despite international pressure.
More than 200 cultural figures, including writers and actors, have called for the release of imprisoned Palestinian leader Marwan Barghouti, condemning his “denial of legal rights.”
“We express our grave concern at the continuing imprisonment of Marwan Barghouti, his violent mistreatment and denial of legal rights whilst imprisoned,” the group said in an open letter.
BREAKING: Over 200 cultural figures call for the release of Marwan Barghouti
“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… pic.twitter.com/UxmkEVRMSI
— FreeMarwanNow (@FreeMarwanNow) December 3, 2025
“We call upon the United Nations and the governments of the world to actively seek the release of Marwan Barghouti from Israeli prison,” they added.
The diverse group includes writers Margaret Atwood and Philip Pullman; actors Tilda Swinton and Mark Ruffalo; singers Paul Simon and Annie Lennox, as well as former footballer Gary Lineker.
Five Life Sentences
Dubbed the ‘Palestinian Mandela’, 66-year-old Barghouti is a senior leader of the Fatah group and one of the most prominent figures in Palestinian politics.
‘Free Marwan Barghouti’: The War against Palestinian Democracy
He has been serving five life sentences in Israeli prisons since 2002 on charges related to the Second Intifada, which began in 2000.
‘Most Popular Leader’
On its website, the Free Marwan Barghouti campaign states that he has been “unjustly imprisoned” by Israel for over two decades, “convicted in a trial by a court he did not recognise.”
“Despite his imprisonment, poll after poll show he’s Palestine’s most popular leader. A powerful symbol of unity and a long-time advocate for freedom and dignity for the Palestinian people,” the campaign notes.
Mandela taught us: ending apartheid anywhere means resisting it everywhere, including Palestine.
Palestine does have a Mandela: Marwan Barghouti, unjustly imprisoned for decades by Israel.
Free Marwan. Free all political prisoners! Join the campaign: https://t.co/gXzaQLq2Z6 pic.twitter.com/1eM9Bvm5jl
— DiEM25 (@DiEM_25) December 1, 2025
The campaign has called on public figures in areas such as music, film and television, visual arts, sports, literature and media to add their names to the list of signatories.
“This is a global campaign that needs everyone’s energy, creativity and activism to succeed,” the organizers stated.
Global Campaign
An international campaign has been launched to demand his release, with simultaneous events held around the world this past weekend.
‘Ongoing Efforts’ – Free Marwan Barghouti Campaign Launched Worldwide
Israel refused to release Barghouti in the latest ceasefire’s prisoner exchange agreement, despite demands from the negotiating parties for his freedom.
According to prisoners’ affairs groups, Barghouti was assaulted by Israeli soldiers in prison and suffered from multiple rib fractures.
Threatened by Ben-Gvir
In August, Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir threatened Barghouti after entering his cell, leaving the detainee’s family alarmed by his deteriorating appearance and fearful for his life.
According to the Israeli Channel 7, Ben-Gvir entered the solitary confinement ward where Barghouti is held and told him: “Whoever kills our children or women, we will wipe them out. You will not defeat us.”
The channel published a video of the visit, showing Barghouti looking frail and emaciated. It said the purpose of the visit was to oversee tighter restrictions on Palestinian detainees.
Barghouti is widely seen as the only figure capable of unifying all Palestinian political camps.
(The Palestine Chronicle)
