Global campaign launched to free jailed Palestinian leader Marwan Barghouti

More than 200 A-listers, from Margaret Atwood to Javier Bardem, are donating their support to a global campaign to free popular Palestinian leader Marwan Barghouti, who has been imprisoned in Israel since 2002.

In an open letter released on Wednesday, the UN and governments were asked to take action to express their deep concern about Marwan Barghouti’s continued imprisonment, his violent mistreatment, and his denial of legal rights while he was imprisoned.

The most well-known cultural signatories were already working to put an end to Israel’s genocidal war against Gaza, but the new letter is a part of the international “Free Marwan” campaign that Barghouti’s family launched earlier this week.

According to some, Barghouti, a senior member of President Mahmoud Abbas’ Fatah group, is serving five life sentences in Israeli prisons for allegedly bringing charges related to attacks carried out during the second Intifada, which lasted from 2000 to 2005.

Itamar Ben-Gvir, the 66-year-old, who has been the subject of numerous brutal assaults and caused bodily harm while serving time, was mocked earlier this year by far-right national security minister at Ganot Prison in central Israel.

Ben-Gvir told the captive, “You won’t win,” according to a video that was broadcast by Channel 12 in Israel in August. According to relatives, Barghouti’s “shocking” appearance was brought on by “exhaustion and hunger,” making it his first sighting in a long time.

Four broken ribs and head injuries were reported by Barghouti’s son in October after his father was brutally beaten by Israeli guards during a prison transfer in September.

Barghouti’s family organized events in various nations, including the UK and France, to raise awareness of the possibility that he might pass away while being detained.

Because of his ability to unite various political parties, Barghouti is regarded as a likely key player in the formation of any Palestinian state. Many people believe him to be the last hope for a free Palestine.

According to a poll conducted by the People’s Company for Polls and Survey Research (PCPSR), he would easily win if the elections were held for the Palestinian Authority.

Abbas would come in third place, while the armed group Hamas would come in second, according to the poll.

The unpopular administration of the PA president, which has been in place for 20 years, is seen as a subcontractor of the Israeli occupation of the West Bank, which is currently facing an ongoing Israeli military assault and daily attacks by irate settlers amid threats of annexation.

In accordance with US President Donald Trump’s 20-point plan, Abbas is now contesting whether the PA should be able to run for office in Gaza following its end of the war in the region. He has promised legislative and presidential elections in the coming months.