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Portrait of Marwan Barghouti

Marwan Barghouti

Influential political and militant leader in Palestinian independence movement.

Born
6 June 1959
Born in
Kobar, West Bank, Palestine
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Why Marwan is here

Marwan Barghouti is a significant figure in the Palestinian struggle for independence, known for his leadership in the First and Second Intifadas and his political influence within Fatah and the Palestinian Legislative Council.

Their story

Marwan Barghouti was born in Kobar, near Ramallah, in 1959. He joined Fatah at fifteen, led students at Birzeit University during the First Intifada, was deported to Jordan, and returned after the Oslo Accords to become Fatah's leader in the West Bank and a member of the Palestinian Legislative Council in 1996.

Israel arrested him in 2002, during the Second Intifada, and in 2004 sentenced him to five life terms, a trial he refused to recognise. From prison he has remained one of the most popular Palestinian leaders, often called the Palestinian Mandela.

In pictures

Milestones

The moments that shaped Marwan’s path.

  1. 1976

    Arrested for involvement with Palestinian military groups; completed secondary education while in jail.

  2. 1983

    Enrolled at Birzeit University; degree completed in 1994.

  3. 1987

    Major figure in the First Intifada; deported to Jordan.

  4. 1994

    Returned to West Bank; became Secretary-General of Fatah.

  5. 2004

    Convicted and sentenced to five life sentences.

Legacy

What they built, changed and left behind.

  1. Leadership in First and Second Intifadas

    Key figure in Palestinian resistance against Israeli occupation.

    Watch

  2. Political Influence in Fatah and Palestinian Legislative Council

    Voiced strong support for an independent Palestinian state.

  3. Diplomacy

    Built relationships with several Israeli politicians.

  4. Founding of Al-Mustaqbal Party

    Aimed to engage Palestinian youth and work towards peace.

  5. Advocacy for Palestinian Independence

    Lifelong dedication to the Palestinian cause.

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Watch

Marwan in interviews, talks and coverage.

  • 01Leadership in First and Second Intifadas↗

Further reading

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