Marvel actors join campaign calling for release of Palestinian terrorist Marwan Barghouti

Marvel stars Benedict Cumberbatch, Mark Ruffalo, Ian McKellen, and Cate Blanchett are among over 20 actors who have signed on to a campaign pushing for the release of convicted Palestinian terrorist Marwan Barghouti. According to an Instagram post from the group Freemarwannow, the actors joined the "Freedom for Marwan" campaign at the end of last year, following a coordinated effort by Barghouti's family and organizations in the UK.

The post states that Barghouti's family is "gravely concerned at the continuing imprisonment of Marwan Barghouti, his violent mistreatment, and denial of legal rights whilst imprisoned." The campaign calls on the United Nations and world governments to actively seek Barghouti's release from Israeli prison. Over 200 cultural figures have signed the petition, showing their support.

Barghouti is a former leader of the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, a terrorist organization responsible for numerous attacks during the Second Intifada between 2001 and 2002. He was sentenced to life in prison for five counts of murder and one of attempted murder in 2004. However, his supporters consider him a de facto Palestinian leader and symbol of resistance, arguing that he was unjustly imprisoned and suffers violence while incarcerated.

Notably, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa was the first sitting head of state to sign an international petition demanding Barghouti's release. A recent poll indicates that Barghouti leads in popularity among potential Palestinian leaders, with 54% of likely voters stating they would support him in a hypothetical presidential election.