Statue of Convicted Terrorist Marwan Barghouti Under Review in London

A life-sized statue of Marwan Barghouti, who is serving five life sentences in Israel for his involvement in terror attacks, has been erected on the roof of "Palestine House" in central London. The statue, made of bronze, depicts Barghouti with his hands raised above his head and stands on the building's roof on High Holborn Street, an area designated for preservation.

The pro-Israel law firm UK Lawyers for Israel (UKLFI) reported that the Camden Council has opened an enforcement investigation following their complaint regarding the statue's placement. The organization argued that the statue and its base were not included in the building's approved architectural plans. UKLFI contended that while permits for roof work might have been granted, this does not imply approval for the statue itself, necessitating a separate review of this addition.

UKLFI also pointed out that the justification for approving roof additions typically considers minimal height and distance from the building's facade to ensure they are unobtrusive from street level. They argue that a life-sized statue placed above these additions requires an assessment of its impact on the building's appearance and the conservation area.

This is not the first complaint concerning "Palestine House." According to UKLFI, previous complaints have addressed flags, advertisements, and illuminated signage. Some items have been removed, while appeals have been filed against the council's refusal to grant retrospective approval for other signs. The current council investigation pertains to planning regulations, and no order for the statue's removal has been issued. UKLFI criticized the enforcement practices at the location, suggesting they encourage further violations.