Marvel Stars Join Global Petition Demanding Release of Palestinian Marwan Barghouti from Israeli Prison

Over the weekend, dozens of actors worldwide signed a petition calling for the release of Palestinian prisoner Marwan Barghouti from an Israeli jail. The petition, organized by the "Free Marwan Now" campaign, was addressed to the United Nations and governments globally, urging them to actively work toward his release. Notable signatories include Benedict Cumberbatch, Mark Ruffalo, Don Cheadle, Oscar-winning actresses Cate Blanchett and Tilda Swinton, as well as Tatiana Maslany, Riz Ahmed, and Elliot Page. More than 200 cultural figures have endorsed the statement so far, including musicians Sting, Paul Simon, Annie Lennox, "Succession" star Brian Cox, and author Margaret Atwood, known for "The Handmaid's Tale."

The campaign's official Instagram page expressed deep concern over Barghouti's continued imprisonment, citing violent treatment and denial of legal rights during incarceration. It called on the UN and world governments to take active steps to secure his release. The petition notes that in the latest prisoner exchange deal, Israel vetoed Barghouti's release due to his seniority and the perception of him as a potential successor to Mahmoud Abbas. Barghouti led the Tanzim militant group and was responsible for terrorist attacks that killed five Israelis. He was arrested in 2003 and sentenced to five life terms plus 40 additional years.

The article also references a related controversy where Paramount criticized Mark Ruffalo, accusing him of antisemitism, and includes a quote from Helen Mirren defending Israeli friends and condemning evil forces everywhere.