20 Marvel stars call for release of ’Palestinian Nelson Mandela’ from Israeli prison

More than 200 prominent cultural figures from around the world, including at least 20 popular Marvel movie actors and actresses, have joined an international campaign calling for the immediate release of Palestinian political leader Marwan Barghouti, who is being held in Israeli prisons. 

This information was revealed by citing an Instagram post by the group called 'Free Marwan Now', reports The Jerusalem Post. 

Stars who have shown solidarity with the 'Freedom for Marwan' campaign include 'Doctor Strange' star Benedict Cumberbatch, 'Hulk' star Margot Ruffalo, 'Magneto' star Ian McKellen, Cate Blanchett, Tilda Swinton and many others. 

"We express our deep concern over the continued imprisonment of Marwan Barghouti, the violent torture he has been subjected to in detention, and the denial of his legal rights. We call on the United Nations and governments around the world to play an active role in securing his release from Israeli prisons," the organizers said in a statement.  

Incidentally, late last year, Marwan Barghouti's family, in collaboration with various human rights and social organizations in the UK, launched this international campaign. In addition to the actor, famous musicians, writers, and film directors from various countries have signed this statement. 

Earlier in May this year, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa became the first head of state to sign an international petition demanding Barghouti's release. 

Who is this Marwan Barghouti? 

Marwan Barghouti is a senior leader of the ruling Palestinian political party Fatah and the former head of Fatah's armed wing, the Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades. He played a key leadership role during the First and Second Palestinian Intifadas (popular uprisings). He was arrested by Israeli forces in 2002. 

Israel accuses Barghouti of masterminding a series of gun and suicide bombing attacks on Israeli citizens between 2001 and 2002. In 2004, an Israeli court convicted him of five counts of planning murder and one count of attempted murder. He was sentenced to five consecutive life sentences plus an additional 40 years in prison. However, Barghouti has consistently denied the jurisdiction and process of the Israeli courts. 

Despite being imprisoned for more than two decades, Marwan Barghouti is considered by the Palestinian people as their main national leader and symbol of resistance. 

According to a recent political poll, he is the most popular candidate in the potential presidential election of the Palestinian Authority, with about 54 percent of voters supporting Barghouti. He is often referred to internationally and by his supporters as the "Palestinian Nelson Mandela."