Over 200 Celebrities and Public Figures Sign Petition Demanding Release of Convicted Terrorist Marwan Barghouti

More than 200 cultural and public figures have signed a petition calling for the release of Marwan Barghouti, a convicted Palestinian terrorist serving five life sentences in Israel for his role in deadly attacks during the Second Intifada. The campaign has sparked sharp condemnation from Israeli officials, who warned that releasing Barghouti would endanger lives and encourage further terrorism.

The petition, circulated by international activists and released Wednesday, accuses Israeli authorities of “violent mistreatment and denial of legal rights” and urges the United Nations and world governments to demand Barghouti’s immediate release.

Among the signatories are prominent anti-Israel activists and high-profile cultural figures, including Angela Davis, Chinese dissident artist Ai Weiwei, author Margaret Atwood, and actors Benedict Cumberbatch, Mark Ruffalo, Cynthia Nixon, and Sir Ian McKellen.

Several Jewish personalities also endorsed the call, including musicians Paul Simon and Gabor Maté, writers Naomi Klein and Peter Beinart, and comedians Ilana Glazer and Hannah Einbinder.

Barghouti, 66, was convicted in 2002 for orchestrating a series of terror attacks that killed five Israelis and wounded many more. He remains one of the most prominent leaders of the Fatah party and is seen by many Palestinians as a symbol of resistance.

Israeli officials strongly condemned the petition. “This is a morally bankrupt campaign that glorifies a convicted terrorist with blood on his hands,” said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lior Haiat. “Barghouti was given a fair trial, convicted with overwhelming evidence, and is serving time for organizing the murder of civilians.”

Though Barghouti has long been floated as a potential successor to Mahmoud Abbas, successive Israeli governments have ruled out releasing him, citing the risk of a new wave of violence.

An October 2025 poll by the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research indicated that Barghouti would win a presidential election if one were held today, underscoring his enduring popularity among Palestinians.

The petition is expected to increase pressure on international institutions to engage on the issue, though there is currently no sign that Israel is reconsidering its longstanding position on Barghouti’s imprisonment. Share this article or subscribe to our newsletter for updates.