New York (QNN)- More than 20 actors known for roles in Marvel films and series have joined an international campaign calling for the release of Palestinian politician Marwan Barghouti, who is being held by Israel and, according to the campaign, in solitary confinement since 2023 amid reports of torture.
The “Free Marwan Now” campaign, launched by Barghouti’s family and backed by more than 200 figures from film, music and literature, said on Instagram that it is “gravely concerned” about his continued imprisonment, “violent mistreatment”, and denial of legal rights.
It called on the UN and world governments to seek his release.
Signatories include Ian McKellen, Mark Ruffalo, Benedict Cumberbatch, Don Cheadle, Cate Blanchett, Tilda Swinton and Hugo Weaving, among others.
Barghouti, a senior figure in Fatah, is serving five life sentences plus 40 years in Israeli prisons on charges related to alleged attacks during the second Intifada.
In February 2024, Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir ordered his transfer to solitary confinement at Ramon Prison, citing intelligence about alleged uprising plans, a move that raised concerns among Palestinians for Barghouti’s safety.
The Palestinian leader was violently assaulted by Israeli prison guards three times over the past month, according to his lawyer in April, raising new concerns that his life may be at risk.
Lawyer Ben Marmarelli said in a statement that Barghouti, who has been serving a life sentence imposed by Israel since 2002, had been subjected to assault three times over March and April, indicating a pattern of “escalating violations”.
The 66-year-old leader was left to bleed after being severely beaten in Ganot Prison in central Israel on April 8, with requests for medical attention denied, said Marmarelli, following a visit to his client on Sunday.
On March 25, he was assaulted while being transferred from Megiddo Prison in the north to Ganot. The day before, guards had “stormed his cell with a dog, forced him to lie on the floor, and then the dog repeatedly attacked him”, said Marmarelli.
The campaign calling for Barghouti’s release described the incidents as “brutal attacks”.
In a statement issued on the eve of the 24th anniversary of his capture, the “Free Marwan” international campaign said Barghouti had been subjected to “new brutal attacks” while held in solitary confinement in Megiddo and at Ramon Prison in southern Israel.
Marmarelli described the conditions of his five-hour visit as “harsh and inhumane”, saying he and his client had been forced “to shout through the glass to communicate”.
Despite the brutal conditions of his captivity, Barghouti was described as “sharp-minded, focused, and fully engaged in following events outside the prison walls”.
Barghouti was tortured “using various tools of repression and beatings, causing multiple injuries and bleeding across his body without medical treatment,” the campaign said.
It added that the prominent political figure has faced a “systematic series” of attacks that have continued since the start of Israel’s genocide on Gaza.
Marmarelli detailed the abuse in a post on X, describing the situation as “deeply alarming”.
"These are not isolated incidents. They form a clear pattern of escalating abuse: violence, medical neglect, and treatment that places him at immediate risk," Marmarelli said.
He added that his most recent legal visit took place “under absurd conditions”, with the two forced to shout through glass to hear each other because prison phones were not working.
"This is what a legal visit looks like today: basic conditions denied, communication obstructed, and even the most elementary human and professional standards ignored."
According to Marmarelli, despite the conditions, Barghouti remained mentally sharp and engaged with events outside prison.
"He had a great deal to say. Above all, he wanted to know more about his family and the Palestinian people, What is happening in Palestinian and Israeli scene I tried to tell him everything I know."
In October last year, Barghouti’s son said his father had been severely beaten by Israeli guards during a prison transfer in September, resulting in four broken ribs and head injuries.
Last year, he was taunted in his cell at Ganot Prison by Ben-Gvir, who was shown telling the captive, “you won’t win” in a video broadcast by Israel’s Channel 12 media outlet. It marked the first sighting of the leader regarded by many as Palestine’s Nelson Mandela in years, a long-time jailed leader they believe can lead them to freedom, with relatives noting his “shocking” appearance caused by “exhaustion and hunger”.
A new Israeli law approving the one-sided use of the death penalty targeting Palestinians has now raised fears of a mass execution of captives held on “terror” charges in Israeli prisons.
Opinion polls have consistently suggested that Barghouti would win the Palestinian presidency if elections were held and he were permitted to run.
Many Palestinians and international figures see Barghouti as a leader who could unite the Palestinian public and restart efforts toward a two-state solution, an idea rejected by Israel.
Israel released thousands of detainees and hostages in exchange deals, including during the recent ceasefire. But it continues to refuse the release of Barghouti and other high-profile detainees.
He has long been held in solitary confinement and has faced intensified assaults alongside other prominent Palestinian detainees since October 2023.
