Marwan Barghouti is a leading Palestinian political figure who has spent more than two decades in Israeli prison. Often called 'Palestine’s Mandela', Barghouti retains popular support and is seen by supporters as a symbol of hope for a unified, free Palestine and peace in the region. A former community organiser, he was elected to the Palestinian Legislative Council in 1996 and 2006. Arrested by Israel in 2002, he was sentenced to five life terms after a trial widely criticised for violating international law.
