Imprisoned Palestinian Leader Marwan Barghouti to Publish Book from Israeli Prison
Marwan Barghouti, the prominent Palestinian political leader often referred to as 'Palestine's Mandela', is set to publish a significant collection of writings from his decades-long incarceration in Israeli prisons. The book, titled Unbroken: In Pursuit of Freedom for Palestine, will be released by Penguin on 5th November this year, bringing together personal letters, interviews, and political documents spanning his entire political career.
A Political Figure's Voice from Behind Bars
Barghouti has been held in Israeli prisons since 2002, following his arrest in Ramallah while serving as an elected member of the Palestinian Legislative Council. He was convicted on terrorism charges by an Israeli court for allegedly orchestrating attacks that resulted in civilian deaths, though he has consistently denied these accusations. The Inter-Parliamentary Union criticised his trial at the time, arguing it breached international legal standards including the Geneva conventions.
Despite more than two decades of imprisonment, Barghouti remains one of the most popular Palestinian politicians in both Gaza and the West Bank according to successive opinion polls. A member of the Fatah party who has long advocated for a two-state solution, many observers believe Israel's refusal to release him stems from concerns he could emerge as a powerful unifying voice for the Palestinian cause.
The Contents of 'Unbroken'
The forthcoming publication will assemble a comprehensive collection of materials including:
- Private letters to Barghouti's family written from prison
- Correspondence with various public figures
- Press interviews and public statements
- Historical documents and photographs
- Extracts from his previously Arabic-only book 1,000 Days in Solitary Confinement
This collection represents the first major opportunity for international audiences to hear Barghouti's voice directly, rather than through the political noise that has surrounded his case for decades.
Harsh Prison Conditions and International Campaigns
Barghouti has endured particularly harsh conditions during his imprisonment, including extended periods in solitary confinement without access to his family. According to former Palestinian detainees, he has been subjected to multiple serious assaults while incarcerated. The International Committee of the Red Cross has been barred from visiting him, a move that violates international humanitarian law.
In November 2025, the Guardian reported that Barghouti had not seen his family for three years, while his lawyers had been permitted only five visits in the prior two years. More recently, Israel's national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir shared video footage showing him taunting Barghouti and threatening execution.
Growing International Support for Release
The continued prominence of Barghouti has fuelled international campaigns calling for his freedom. The latest campaign launched in November 2025 featured coordinated demonstrations and public art installations across Palestine and in cities including London, alongside protests throughout Europe, the United States, and South Africa.
In December of that year, more than 200 leading cultural figures signed an open letter demanding Barghouti's release, including:
- Margaret Atwood
- Annie Ernaux
- Benedict Cumberbatch
- Elif Shafak
- Peter Gabriel
- Sting
- Tilda Swinton
- Olga Tokarczuk
- Colm Tóibín
- Sir Ian McKellen
- Gary Lineker
A Personal Introduction and Political Significance
The book features an introduction written by Barghouti's wife, Fadwa Barghouti, who has been a prominent advocate for his release. 'For a long time, I have wished that the world could hear Marwan in his own voice, not through the noise surrounding him,' she stated. 'This book finally makes that possible – and I hope it helps people understand who Marwan Barghouti truly is, and how he embodies the Palestinian struggle for freedom and dignity.'
As deadly attacks on Gaza continue despite nominal ceasefires, many view the 66-year-old Barghouti as the best hope for leadership of any future Palestinian state. His ability to potentially bridge factional divides between Fatah and Hamas makes his continued imprisonment particularly significant in the broader context of Middle Eastern politics.
The publication of Unbroken: In Pursuit of Freedom for Palestine represents not just a literary event, but a significant political moment that will bring renewed attention to both Barghouti's personal story and the ongoing Palestinian struggle for self-determination.
