More Than 20 Marvel Actors Back Barghouti Release Campaign as 200 Cultural Figures Sign
Updated
Updated · The Jerusalem Post · Aug 23
More Than 20 Marvel Actors Back Barghouti Release Campaign as 200 Cultural Figures Sign
3 articles · Updated · The Jerusalem Post · Aug 23
Summary
More than 20 actors from Marvel films, including Benedict Cumberbatch, Mark Ruffalo and Cate Blanchett, joined the "Freedom for Marwan" campaign urging governments and the UN to seek Marwan Barghouti's release from Israeli prison.
The group said it was acting over Barghouti's continued imprisonment, alleged violent mistreatment and denial of legal rights, adding that his family launched the campaign late last year with UK-based organizations.
Barghouti was convicted by Israel in 2004 on five counts of murder and one of attempted murder, receiving five consecutive life sentences plus 40 years for attacks tied to the Second Intifada.
Supporters portray him as a leading Palestinian figure rather than only a prisoner; a recent poll put him at 54% support in a hypothetical presidential race, and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa signed a release petition in May.