Free Marwan Barghouti

For over 23 years, Marwan Barghouti has been imprisoned by Israel. But despite the bars and brutal conditions, his vision of Palestinian freedom, dignity and unity continues to resonate powerfully across Palestine and the world.

Known as Palestine’s Mandela, Marwan represents something Israel fears more than any weapon: hope. Hope for Palestinian unity, democratic renewal and a credible path towards justice and peace.

Why his case matters

In April 2002, disguised Israeli soldiers in an ambulance seized Marwan from Ramallah, where he was serving as an elected parliamentarian and political leader. He was taken to Israel in violation of the Geneva Conventions and later convicted in a trial the Inter-Parliamentary Union condemned as deeply flawed, concluding it was “impossible to say that Mr. Barghouti received a fair trial.”

The trial’s failings were stark. Of 21 prosecution witnesses positioned to testify about Marwan’s alleged involvement, none actually accused him. About 12 explicitly told the court he was not involved. No document originated by Marwan implicated him in the charges. Yet he was sentenced to five life terms plus 40 years.

A unifying voice

Poll after poll shows Marwan as Palestine’s most popular leader — someone who could bring together different political factions and chart a new course forward. This unity is precisely why Israel has refused to include him in any prisoner exchanges, even when hundreds of others have been released.

His ability to bridge divides, his anti-corruption stance and his decades of working for Palestinian rights make him a figure of extraordinary potential. Nelson Mandela himself said in 2002: “What is happening to Barghouti is exactly the same as what happened to me.”

The campaign for freedom

Marwan’s wife and lawyer, Fadwa Barghouti, has campaigned tirelessly for his release since the day of his arrest. She launched the first international campaign alongside Ahmed Kathrada, the anti-apartheid activist who was imprisoned with Nelson Mandela on Robben Island.

From that symbolic prison cell, the Robben Island Declaration was born — signed by Nobel laureates including Archbishop Desmond Tutu and former President Jimmy Carter. Desmond Tutu declared: “When we call for Marwan Barghouti’s freedom, we are calling for the freedom of all political prisoners and resolution of all injustice in Palestine and Israel.”

Now, the Free Marwan campaign has been relaunched with growing momentum. More than 200 leading cultural figures — including actors Benedict Cumberbatch, Mark Ruffalo and Tilda Swinton, musicians Sting and Annie Lennox, and business leader Richard Branson — have signed an open letter calling for his release. Events have been held simultaneously across London, Paris, South Africa, Italy and Palestine.

Why this matters now

Recent reports reveal Marwan has faced brutal treatment in prison, including being beaten by guards resulting in broken ribs and head injuries. Israel’s far-right National Security Minister was even filmed threatening him in his cell — a frail figure in a white t-shirt, subjected to intimidation and abuse.

There are growing fears that new laws could allow the death penalty to be imposed on Palestinian prisoners, including Marwan. The urgency of this campaign cannot be overstated.

Take action

The Free Marwan campaign needs everyone’s energy, creativity and activism to succeed. International pressure can work — just as it did to free Nelson Mandela from apartheid South Africa.

• Add your voice:
  Sign the open letter calling for Marwan’s release at freemarwan.org
• Contact your representative:
  Write to your MP or local political leaders urging them to support Marwan’s release
• Spread the word:
  Share information about Marwan’s case on social media using #FreeMarwan
• Join the movement:
  Organise solidarity events in your community

When we call for Marwan Barghouti’s freedom, we’re calling for justice. We’re calling for peace. We’re calling for hope to triumph over oppression.