Marwan Barghouti: Over 200 Celebrities Demand His Release – Lanthimos and Stiglitz Among Them
Διαβάζεται σε 3'
The open letter is endorsed by actors and directors from film and theater, music bands, writers, billionaire Richard Branson, as well as famous retired football players.
- 04 Δεκεμβρίου 2025 08:19
Over 200 celebrities, including Nobel laureate French author Annie Ernaux, Spanish actor Javier Bardem, director Yorgos Lanthimos, singers Sting, Michael Stipe, Nene Cherry, and composer Brian Eno, have called for the release of Marwan Barghouti, a Palestinian leader imprisoned in Israel since 2002. The petition, signed by figures from various fields, was made public on Wednesday, urging international action for his freedom.
Marwan Barghouti, 66, a former Fatah official, advocates for a political resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He is known for his anti-corruption efforts, and many believe that if he were free, he could succeed Mahmoud Abbas as president of the Palestinian Authority. Supporters refer to him as the “Mandela of Palestine,” drawing a parallel to Nelson Mandela, the historic leader of the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa and later president of the country.
The open letter is also signed by cinema and theater stars like Benedict Cumberbatch, Justine Triet, Tilda Swinton, Mark Ruffalo, Jonathan Pryce, music bands such as Massive Attack and Fontaines D.C., writers like Sally Rooney and Margaret Atwood, billionaire Richard Branson, and famous retired football players like Eric Cantona and Gary Lineker.
“We express our deep concern for the ongoing detention of Marwan Barghouti, the abuse he suffers, and the denial of his legal rights in prison,” the letter states, calling on “the United Nations and the governments of the world to actively work” for his release.
This initiative is part of the international campaign Free Marwan, launched by his family. Most of the signatories had previously made public calls to end the war in the Gaza Strip.
Marwan Barghouti has been sentenced to five life sentences by an Israeli court for his involvement in deadly attacks during the second Intifada (2000-2005).
Israeli authorities have refused to release him as part of prisoner exchanges following the start of the war in Gaza, triggered by the October 7, 2023, Hamas assault on southern Israel.
His son stated in October that he was brutally beaten by Israeli guards during a transfer. In August, far-right Israeli Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir released a video in which he threatens Marwan Barghouti, aged and weakened, inside his cell.
