Overview
- The Dec. 3 letter gathered signatories from literature, film, music and business, including Margaret Atwood, Benedict Cumberbatch, Mark Ruffalo, Sting and Richard Branson.
- Barghouti, 66, has been imprisoned since 2002 and received five life sentences in 2004 for attacks during the Second Intifada, a trial later criticized by the Inter‑Parliamentary Union.
- The appeal alleges violent mistreatment and denial of legal rights, citing reports of a September beating and an August video showing National Security Minister Itamar Ben‑Gvir confronting him in prison.
- Israel has repeatedly refused to release Barghouti, including in recent prisoner exchanges, as critics of the campaign highlight his convictions and portray him as a key figure in Fatah‑linked violence.
- Organizers say the family‑backed 'Free Marwan' drive seeks UN and government intervention, warning that proposed Israeli death‑penalty measures for Palestinian prisoners raise the stakes.