More than 200 prominent creators and cultural figures from around the world signed a public letter calling on the Israeli government to release Marwan Barghouti, who was sentenced to five life sentences for terrorist activities, whom they define as the “Nelson Mandela of Palestine.” In their letter, the signatories appeal to the UN and governments worldwide demanding increased diplomatic pressure on Israel. They claim Barghouti has already served 23 years in prison following a trial that “suffered from substantial flaws.” Among the signatories: Margaret Atwood, Sir Ian McKellen, Benedict Cumberbatch, Mark Ruffalo, Paul Simon, Sting, Stephen Fry, Peter Gabriel, Annie Lennox, Richard Branson and Zadie Smith.
