Over 200 Hollywood Figures, Including Marvel Stars, Demand Release of Convicted Terrorist Marwan Barghouti

More than 200 individuals from the Hollywood film industry, including over 20 well-known Marvel actors such as Benedict Cumberbatch, Mark Ruffalo, and Don Cheadle, have signed a petition calling on Israel to release Marwan Barghouti. The petition, organized by the group "freemarwannow" and launched by Barghouti's family in late 2025 with support from several UK-based anti-Israel organizations, portrays Barghouti as a "political leader." It urges the United Nations and world governments to actively work toward his release, citing concerns about his continued imprisonment, alleged harsh treatment, and denial of legal rights in Israeli custody.

Marwan Barghouti, a senior Fatah member and leader of the Tanzim faction, was convicted in 2004 for five counts of murder and sentenced to five life terms plus 40 years for orchestrating attacks that killed Israelis during the Second Intifada. He is currently serving his sentence in Hadarim prison in a section designated for security prisoners. While the campaign frames him as a political prisoner, in Israel he is remembered for the deadly attacks that led to his conviction.

The involvement of prominent Hollywood figures in this politically sensitive and security-related issue has sparked criticism among some fans, who question why celebrities are taking public stances on such a complex matter. The campaign's social media posts emphasize their deep concern over Barghouti's imprisonment conditions and call on international bodies to intervene for his release.