A global campaign to secure the release of Marwan Barghouti, the Palestinian political leader imprisoned by Israel for over two decades, has been launched in London. The initiative, led by Barghouti's family and supported by UK civil society, aims to place his fate at the centre of ongoing ceasefire negotiations.
Barghouti, 66, is a member of the Fatah party and a longstanding advocate for a two-state solution. Opinion polls consistently show him as the most popular Palestinian politician in both Gaza and the West Bank. Supporters view him as a potential unifying leader for a future Palestinian state.
The campaign includes murals and public art installations in London and near Ramallah, coordinated by Creative Debuts. A letter calling for his release, signed by political and cultural figures, is expected next week. Barghouti's wife, Fadwa, has given interviews to Israeli media, emphasising his commitment to peace through a two-state solution.
Barghouti was convicted in 2004 of planning attacks that killed five civilians, receiving five life sentences plus 40 years. The Inter-Parliamentary Union criticised the trial as deeply flawed. Israel has refused to release him despite pressure from Hamas and Gulf states, and he has been held in solitary confinement, denied family visits for three years, and allegedly subjected to beatings.
His son, Arab Barghouti, stated: 'He represents hope to Palestinians... Seeing people around the world raise his name gives me hope.' The campaign also calls for the release of all Palestinian prisoners.
