Marvel actors join international campaign for Marwan Barghouti

More than 20 actors associated with the Marvel Cinematic Universe have joined the international ‘Freedom for Marwan’ campaign, calling for the release of Palestinian figure Marwan Barghouti. High-profile supporters include Benedict Cumberbatch, Mark Ruffalo, Don Cheadle, Cate Blanchett, Tilda Swinton, and Ian McKellen.

Barghouti, a prominent figure in Fatah, has been detained in Israel since 2002. In 2004, an Israeli court sentenced him to five life terms following convictions related to attacks during the Second Intifada. While Israeli authorities hold him responsible for multiple killings and attempted murders, campaign organizers and supporters argue his detention is political and claim he faces mistreatment in prison.

The initiative, launched by Barghouti’s family and supported by UK-based organizations, has gathered signatures from over 200 cultural figures, including musicians and directors. The campaign has also gained institutional attention; South African President Cyril Ramaphosa recently became the first sitting head of state to sign the international petition calling for his release.