UPDATE: A coalition of more than 200 high-profile actors and public figures, including Benedict Cumberbatch and Mark Ruffalo, has just announced a campaign demanding the release of Palestinian terrorist Marwan Barghouti, who is serving five life sentences for orchestrating deadly attacks against Israeli civilians. The petition urges the international community to pressure Israel to release Barghouti, who has been imprisoned for over two decades.
The petition, which highlights allegations of “violent mistreatment” and denial of legal rights during Barghouti’s incarceration, states, “We express our grave concern at the continuing imprisonment of Marwan Barghouti.” It calls on the United Nations and world governments to actively seek his release. Barghouti is portrayed as a “powerful symbol of unity and a long-time advocate for freedom and dignity for the Palestinian people,” according to the petition.
What the petition does not mention is Barghouti’s convictions for his role in deadly terror attacks, including a June 2001 drive-by shooting that killed four Israelis and a Greek monk. A 2004 Tel Aviv District Court ruling found him guilty of multiple attacks during the Second Intifada, resulting in five consecutive life terms plus an additional 20 years for a failed suicide bombing.
Despite his criminal past, Barghouti remains a popular figure among Palestinians, consistently polling as the potential leader of the Palestinian Authority if elections were held. Supporters abroad depict him as a leader for peace, advocating for a two-state solution. However, foreign policy analysts express skepticism about this portrayal. A report by the Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center asserts that hopes of Barghouti being a suitable partner for peace negotiations are “somewhat exaggerated.”
Critics argue that releasing him could undermine peace efforts, leading to further violence. “Given his criminal terrorist record and extremist views on Israel, releasing him would not promote peace negotiations,” the report states. Additionally, Israeli political commentator Amit Segal condemned the petitioners on social media, labeling Barghouti as a “cold-blooded mass murderer” and comparing their support to “sanitizing the crimes of a serial killer.”
The ongoing campaign has ignited heated discussions around the world, with many questioning the implications of advocating for a figure convicted of such serious crimes. As the movement grows, the international community watches closely to see how this will influence the already complex Israeli-Palestinian relations.
What happens next remains uncertain. The Israeli government has consistently refused to release Barghouti during hostage negotiations, and the implications of this petition could lead to further tensions. As this story develops, the world awaits the response from both the Israeli government and the international community. Share your thoughts on this urgent issue as it unfolds.
