In an interview with FRANCE 24, the son of Marwan Barghouti accused Israel of keeping his father behind bars because "they don't want a legitimate leader who gets his credibility from the people". Barghouti, a Fatah member and probably the most popular Palestinian leader, has been in jail for over two decades after an Israeli court convicted him of involvement in deadly attacks against Israelis during the Second Intifada. Arab Barghouti lambasted his father's trial, citing "absolutely no evidence".
Speaking to FRANCE 24 from Ramallah, Arab Barghouti described his father as "a unifying figure" with a political vision that "aligns perfectly with the international community".
He welcomed US President Donald Trump's recent statement on potentially freeing his father. "We really wish that he can pressure the Israeli government because of what my father can contribute into peace and stability of the region," the younger Barghouti said.
Arab Barghouti detailed brutal detention conditions in Ofer Prison since October 7, 2003, including an alleged beating leaving his father with "four ribs broken." He also described a video posted by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir showing a gaunt Marwan Barghouti as "a perfect representation of the Palestinian cause – a Palestinian leader getting starved while his people are getting starved."
Arab Barghouti explained that he has not seen his father in three years, adding: "I haven't been able to hug my father in 24 years."
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