A group of Hollywood actors, including those known for their roles in the Marvel universe, have joined a campaign advocating for the release of Marwan Barghouti. The celebrities have characterized Barghouti as a political prisoner and drawn comparisons between his situation and that of Nelson Mandela.
However, critics argue that this portrayal overlooks Barghouti's convictions for murder and his leadership role within the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, designated as a terrorist organization. According to Israeli court records, Barghouti was charged with and convicted of five murders, attempted murder, and membership in a terrorist organization, receiving five life sentences.
The individuals whose murders led to Barghouti's convictions included Georgios Tsibouktzakis, a Greek Orthodox priest; Yoela Hen, an American citizen; and three others: Eli Dahan, Yosef Habi, and Israeli Druze police officer Salim Barakat. These attacks occurred between 2001 and 2002.
While Barghouti was acquitted of 21 other murder charges due to insufficient evidence, the court convicted him of five murders where his responsibility was established. Human rights organizations like Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have previously condemned deliberate attacks on Israeli civilians by Palestinian armed groups as crimes against humanity.
Sources critical of the celebrity campaign contend that the actors are disconnected from the realities of the conflict and the victims involved. They argue that comparing Barghouti to Nelson Mandela is inaccurate, as Mandela's armed struggle was directed at a regime, while Barghouti's convictions stem from the targeting of innocent civilians. The critics assert that the celebrities' advocacy ignores the evidence and legal proceedings, attempting to rewrite history and the facts of Barghouti's convictions.
Nitsana Darshan-Leitner, president of the Shurat HaDin Law Center, which represents terror victims, stated that Barghouti, convicted of murdering five people including an American citizen, should not be released or transformed into a symbol of peace by celebrities. The center advocates for victims of terror and their families.
The actors involved in the campaign include Mark Ruffalo, Benedict Cumberbatch, Ian McKellen, Cate Blanchett, and Tilda Swinton. Barghouti was imprisoned by Israel in 2004.