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Wednesday, December 3, 2025
Over 200 cultural figures sign petition calling for release of Marwan Barghouti
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More than 200 cultural figures have signed onto a petition calling for the release of prominent Palestinian security prisoner Marwan Barghouti, a campaign for his freedom says.
The diverse range of celebrities who signed onto the “Free Marwan” petition includes several Jewish names, including British actor Stephen Fry, American singer-songwriter Paul Simon, American actresses Hannah Einbinder and Ilana Glazer, and British actress Miriam Margolyes.
Other prominent names include actors Mark Ruffalo, Sir Ian McKellen, Benedict Cumberbatch, Tilda Swinton, Josh O’Connor; musicians Annie Lennox, Sting and Brian Eno; and author Margaret Atwood.
“We express our grave concern at the continuing imprisonment of Marwan Barghouti, his violent mistreatment and denial of legal rights whilst imprisoned. We call upon the United Nations and the Governments of the World to actively seek the release of Marwan Barghouti from Israeli prison,” the petition’s statement reads.
Barghouti, seen by many Palestinians as a potential successor to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, has been incarcerated since 2002. He is serving five consecutive life terms plus 40 years in prison for helping plan attacks during the Second Intifada that killed five civilians.
The Times of Israel Community.