An international campaign calling for the release of Palestinian leader Marwan Barghouti has gained significant momentum with the support of more than 20 actors known for their roles in Marvel universe films and television series. The initiative, titled "Free Marwan Now," was established by Barghouti’s family and supporters and has garnered backing from over 200 prominent figures across the fields of film, music, and literature.
In a statement released on Instagram last week, the campaign highlighted its "grave concern at the continuing imprisonment of Marwan Barghouti, his violent mistreatment and denial of legal rights whilst imprisoned." The group is formally urging the United Nations and governments worldwide to take active steps toward securing his release from Israeli custody.
The list of signatories includes several high-profile Marvel Cinematic Universe stars, such as Benedict Cumberbatch, who portrayed Doctor Strange, and Don Cheadle, known for his role as James Rhodes, or War Machine. Other notable contributors include Ian McKellen, who played Magneto in the X-Men franchise, as well as Rebecca Hall, Riz Ahmed, Jason Flemyng, Elliot Page, Hugo Weaving, Zawe Ashton, Emma Corrin, May Calamawy, Brian Cox, Dan Stevens, Rob Delaney, and Kingsley Ben-Adir. Additionally, Cate Blanchett, Tilda Swinton, Tatiana Maslany, and Daniel Bruhl have lent their support to the cause.
Marwan Barghouti was born on June 6, 1958, in the village of Kobar, located northwest of Ramallah in the occupied West Bank. He became active in the Fatah movement at age 15 and faced his first arrest by Israel at 18. Throughout his life, he has been a central figure in Palestinian politics, serving as a leader during the First Intifada and later being elected to the Palestinian Legislative Council in 1996. He eventually rose to the position of secretary-general of Fatah.
Following his arrest by Israeli forces at his home in 2002, Barghouti was sentenced to five life terms plus 40 years in prison. Despite his incarceration, he has remained an influential figure, earning degrees in history, political science, and international relations, and authoring several books, including The Promise, Resistance to Arrest, and One Thousand Days in a Solitary Confinement Cell. While a member of Fatah, he is frequently viewed as a bridge between various Palestinian factions, and groups such as Hamas have repeatedly advocated for his freedom.
In February 2024, Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir ordered Barghouti’s transfer from Ofer Military Prison to Ramon Prison, where he was placed in solitary confinement. Israeli authorities stated the decision followed intelligence regarding potential plans for an uprising in the West Bank. This move has sparked significant concern among Palestinians regarding Barghouti's safety, fueling the current international campaign for his release.
He joined the Fatah movement at the age of 15.He was arrested by Israel in 1976, when he was 18, and spent a period in prison, where he learned Hebrew.
Israel subsequently deported him to Jordan, where he remained for seven years.He returned to the occupied West Bank in 1994 under the Oslo Accords signed between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization.In 1996, Barghouti was elected to the Palestinian Legislative Council, representing Fatah in the Ramallah and Al-Bireh area.
