International Campaign Gathers Momentum To Free Marwan Barghouti
An international campaign calling for the release of Palestinian leader Marwan Barghouti — who has been held in Israeli prisons since 2002 — has gained the support of more than 200 high-profile cultural figures, from Margaret Atwood to Javier Bardem. An open letter published this week urged the United Nations and national governments to investigate allegations about his treatment and to push for his rights to be upheld.
“We express our grave concern at the continuing imprisonment of Marwan Barghouti, his violent mistreatment and denial of legal rights whilst imprisoned,” reads the letter.
Allegations Of Abuse And Public Sighting
Barghouti, a senior Fatah leader and a popular figure among many Palestinians, is serving five life sentences after convictions related to attacks during the second Intifada (2000–2005). This year his family and supporters have raised alarm over reports that he has been repeatedly assaulted in custody.
In August a video aired by Israel’s Channel 12 showed far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir speaking to Barghouti inside Ganot Prison in central Israel, marking one of the first public sightings of him in years. Relatives described his appearance in the footage as "shocking," saying he looked exhausted and undernourished. In October, Barghouti’s son said his father had been badly beaten during a prison transfer in September, suffering reportedly four broken ribs and head injuries.
Family-Led Campaign And International Response
Fearing for his health, Barghouti’s family launched the "Free Marwan" campaign and organised events in several countries, including the United Kingdom and France. The campaign combines public advocacy, cultural signatories and calls for international bodies to monitor his treatment and review his case.
Political Significance
Many Palestinians regard Barghouti as a unifying political figure with the capacity to bridge rival factions. An October poll by the People’s Company for Polls and Survey Research (PCPSR) indicated that, if Palestinian Authority elections were held, Barghouti would lead the vote decisively; the same poll placed Hamas second and President Mahmoud Abbas third. The survey also found widespread scepticism about whether elections will actually take place, with roughly 60% of respondents expressing doubt.
Critics of the Palestinian Authority say its long-running administration has lost popular legitimacy and accuse it of acting in ways that some view as too aligned with Israeli security interests in the West Bank. Separately, discussions are under way among international and Palestinian actors about the PA’s potential role in the governance of Gaza after the current conflict, but many Palestinians remain sceptical of the prospects and timelines for credible elections.
What Comes Next
The "Free Marwan" campaign aims to increase international pressure for independent monitoring of Barghouti’s treatment, to secure medical attention where required, and ultimately to revisit the political and legal circumstances of his detention. Supporters say their goal is both humanitarian — ensuring his safety and rights in custody — and political, highlighting Barghouti’s continuing relevance to Palestinian politics.
Note: Allegations of abuse are reported by Barghouti's family and supporters and have been amplified by signatories of the campaign letter. The Israeli authorities have previously convicted Barghouti; any independent investigation would be needed to corroborate claims about his recent treatment.
