Arab Barghouthi on his father Marwan’s Unwavering Commitment to Palestinian Freedom
The son of imprisoned Palestinian leader Marwan Barghouti spoke to David Marr on ABC’s Late Night Live Tuesday about the upcoming Palestinian elections, and how his his father’s release could finally see an end to Israel’s apartheid regime in his homeland.
During the interview, Arab Barghouthi urged the international community, including Australia, to ensure Israel does not sabotage the November elections like it did in 2021 when it prevented people in Jerusalem from voting.
He said the Australian government’s recognition of Palestine was a “step in the right direction” but it must actively support a Palestinian state via democratic free elections, as well as “the leaders that can be partners for peace – which my father is the biggest name there.”
Marwan Barghouti has been illegally imprisoned by Israel for almost a quarter of a century. For uniting the political factions and commanding broad support among the population, he is anticipated to become Palestine’s next President. He is known internationally as the Palestinian Nelson Mandela.
“He has a very clear political vision and that’s why he’s been consistently the most popular leader for more than 20 years,” Barghouthi said. “Ben Gvir went on video and taunted my father inside an Israeli cell because he understands what my father represents to the Palestinian people.”
Arab Barghouthi
Barghouti’s family is spearheading the international Free Marwan campaign, backed by The Elders, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, and hundreds of high-profile cultural figures.
“It’s expanding as a campaign, something similar to the Free Mandela campaign in the 80s,” Barghouthi said.
“Hopefully this campaign will be one of the contributors of ending the apartheid regime on our land.”
Listen to Arab Barghouthi’s full interview on ABC Late Night Live.
Our “Freedom for Marwan Barghouti Now” campaign was launched in February to bring awareness to his illegal detention and violation of his human rights. We are urging the Australian government to demand his immediate and unconditional release, and the release of all Palestinian political prisoners.