Free Marwan: A Global Call to Action for Palestinian Leader's Release
A global campaign has launched to secure the release of Marwan Barghouti, widely regarded as the most popular Palestinian politician in Gaza and the West Bank. With his family and UK civil society backing him, Barghouti is at the center of a growing movement that seeks to put pressure on Israel to finally free him.
The 66-year-old was convicted of planning attacks that led to five civilian deaths and has been held by Israel for over 20 years. Despite intense international pressure, including from Hamas and Gulf states, Israel refused to release him as part of the ceasefire agreement in October.
Barghouti's supporters argue that his release is essential if he is to become an effective spokesperson for the Palestinian cause. Many believe that Israel is refusing to release him because they know he will be a powerful voice for the Palestinian people.
The campaign has already seen the emergence of public art installations and murals in cities around the world, including London and Ramallah, bearing messages of solidarity with Barghouti. A letter calling for his release from prominent political and cultural figures is expected to be released next week.
Barghouti's family and lawyers have reported a series of human rights abuses against him, including solitary confinement without access to family members and alleged beatings inside prison. His wife Fadwa has spoken out about his detention, saying that he "sees the two-state solution as the way to move forward and live in peace".
Barghouti's son, Arab Barghouti, added that seeing people around the world raise his father's name gives him hope for a better future. He called on governments and civil society organizations to support the campaign and demand Barghouti's release.
As negotiations continue over the Gaza ceasefire, the global "Free Marwan" campaign is gaining momentum. With thousands of Palestinian families enduring similar experiences, many are asking: what more needs to be done to secure Barghouti's freedom?
A global campaign has launched to secure the release of Marwan Barghouti, widely regarded as the most popular Palestinian politician in Gaza and the West Bank. With his family and UK civil society backing him, Barghouti is at the center of a growing movement that seeks to put pressure on Israel to finally free him.
The 66-year-old was convicted of planning attacks that led to five civilian deaths and has been held by Israel for over 20 years. Despite intense international pressure, including from Hamas and Gulf states, Israel refused to release him as part of the ceasefire agreement in October.
Barghouti's supporters argue that his release is essential if he is to become an effective spokesperson for the Palestinian cause. Many believe that Israel is refusing to release him because they know he will be a powerful voice for the Palestinian people.
The campaign has already seen the emergence of public art installations and murals in cities around the world, including London and Ramallah, bearing messages of solidarity with Barghouti. A letter calling for his release from prominent political and cultural figures is expected to be released next week.
Barghouti's family and lawyers have reported a series of human rights abuses against him, including solitary confinement without access to family members and alleged beatings inside prison. His wife Fadwa has spoken out about his detention, saying that he "sees the two-state solution as the way to move forward and live in peace".
Barghouti's son, Arab Barghouti, added that seeing people around the world raise his father's name gives him hope for a better future. He called on governments and civil society organizations to support the campaign and demand Barghouti's release.
As negotiations continue over the Gaza ceasefire, the global "Free Marwan" campaign is gaining momentum. With thousands of Palestinian families enduring similar experiences, many are asking: what more needs to be done to secure Barghouti's freedom?