Marwan barghouti going to be released: how long has marwan been in jail,Book

Marwan Hasib Hussein Barghouti is one of the most prominent Palestinian political figures today. Often described by supporters as the possible successor of Palestinian leadership, and called “Palestine’s Nelson Mandela” by many, Barghouti has served over two decades in Israeli prisons. His case stirs debate: legal, moral, political. In current ceasefire and prisoner-swap negotiations, the question repeatedly arises — Will he be released? This article examines his background, the charges and court case, how long he has been incarcerated, the book he wrote from prison, and current prospects (and obstacles) for his release.

Who is Marwan Barghouti?

Marwan Barghouti was born in 1959, in the neighbourhood of Kafr ‘Aqab in the Ramallah area of the West Bank. He rose to prominence in Palestinian politics particularly during the Second Intifada (2000-2005), as a leader of Fatah‘s Tanzim and Al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigades. 

He has been a member of the Palestinian Legislative Council, and has taken part in internal Fatah politics even from prison. He is viewed by many Palestinians as a unifying figure. Internationally, he has been both condemned (by Israel and others) as involved in orchestrating militant attacks, and also lauded (by his supporters) for his political leadership and symbolic status. 

Arrest, Trial, and Sentencing

• Barghouti was arrested on 15 April 2002 in Ramallah by Israeli forces. 

• He was put on trial, and in 2004 was convicted. The verdict included five counts of murder (involving Israelis, and a Greek monk among them), membership in a “terrorist organization”, and other serious charges. 

• The sentence: five life terms plus an additional 40 years. 

Those opposing the verdict argue issues of fairness, jurisdiction (he refused to recognize the authority of an Israeli civilian court over him), and with regard to evidence (some evidence withheld), etc. Barghouti has maintained political motivations, rejected parts of the trial as politically driven. 

How Long Has Barghouti Been in Jail?

• Since 15 April 2002, he has been in Israeli custody. 

• As of April 2023, sources say he has entered his 22nd year in prison. 

• It means that by mid-2025 (now) he has been incarcerated for about 23 years (or more, depending on whether one counts from the arrest date to present).

His Book: One Thousand Nights in Solitary Confinement

While in prison, Barghouti authored a book titled “One Thousand Nights in Solitary Confinement”. Key facts:

• The book was published in 2011. It details his experiences in Israeli prisons, especially during long periods in solitary confinement (including three years in solitary). The book is 255 pages according to reports, giving vivid accounts of prison conditions, isolation, impact on morale, resistance, etc. The title suggests the long nights, the psychological challenge, but also an assertion of endurance. 

Conditions in Prison, Treatment, and Symbolic Significance

Barghouti has been treated in ways that have drawn international attention, both for claims of mistreatment and for the symbolic weight his imprisonment carries.

• He has spent substantial periods in solitary confinement, including immediately after arrest and at other times. 

• His treatment has been criticized by Palestinian authorities and rights groups: claims of isolation, denial of certain rights, possible violations of humane standards. 

• He remains politically active even from prison: supervising educational programs for prisoners, taking part in drafting the Prisoners’ Document (a document agreed among Palestinian factions in prison) in 2006, etc. 

Is Marwan Barghouti Going to Be Released?

This is the core question, and the answer is: uncertain, with many political, legal, and security obstacles. Below are the main factors for/against release, and current status based on latest reporting.

Factors favouring release

1. Negotiations & Ceasefire Deals
   In various peace or truce negotiations (especially after hostilities), Hamas has demanded his release as one of the top items. He is considered by many Palestinians not only as a prisoner but as a leader whose release would have symbolic and practical significance. 

2. Public and International Pressure
   There are substantial internal Palestinian demand, public opinion polls, and advocacy by Palestinian political groups, civil society, and international human rights organisations for his release. He is often invoked as a symbol of resistance and injustice by his supporters. 

3. Political leverage
   Because of his popularity, political stature, and potential role in future elections or reconciliations among Palestinian factions (especially Fatah/Hamas), there is motive for some parties to push for his release. Some see him as a unifying leader.

1. Legal and Judicial Sentencing
   His conviction carries very heavy penalties: five life sentences + 40 years. Israeli courts maintain those convictions. Simply releasing him would require either a pardon or an agreement that effectively overrides or negotiates around legal judgments. 

2. Security & Political Concerns
   From the Israeli government’s perspective, Barghouti is convicted of planning, ordering, and being responsible for lethal attacks. Releasing him is seen by many in Israel as giving up a figure deemed a terrorist, which has both security and political risks (e.g. perception of encouraging violence, emboldening militant groups). Some Israeli leaders have publicly opposed his release.

3. Negotiation complexity
   Even in hostage-swap deals, releases often involve phased processes, demands for reciprocity, and trade-offs. Barghouti’s name often appears high on lists, but being high on a list doesn’t guarantee actual release. Also, Israel often resists releasing those convicted of murder (especially multiple murders) without strong bargaining or external pressure.

4. Condition of release and exile
   Some reports suggest that even if Barghouti were to be released, Israel may require conditions such as deportation or restriction of movement, or exile to a third country. That complicates both the legal and personal implications for him and for Palestinian politics. 

Recent status / developments

• An article from May 2024 reported that Barghouti is at the top of Hamas’ list for prisoners to be released under a potential deal, but Israel has signalled reluctance on that front. 

• At times, people close to the negotiations claim that Barghouti will be released in a “phase 2” of a ceasefire agreement. But that is prospective, not confirmed. 

• As of the most recent credible reports, there is no firm confirmation that he will be released imminently. 

What Would Release Imply?

If Marwan Barghouti were released, what are the implications? Some are symbolic, others practical.

• Symbolic and morale boost: His release would be a huge symbolic gesture for many Palestinians, boosting morale and possibly healing some fractures within Palestinian politics.

• Political impact: He could become a candidate in future elections, possibly leading Fatah or Palestinian Authority, or take a role in reconciliation between factions. He is already seen by some as a potential successor to Mahmoud Abbas. 

• Negotiation leverage: His release could be part of a larger prisoner swap or peace deal. It could serve as a bargaining chip for both sides.

• Risks: From Israel’s point of view, releasing someone convicted of multiple murders carries security risk (real or perceived). Also, there would be domestic political risk for Israeli government if backlash occurs. For Palestinians, there might be risk if release comes with restrictions (e.g. under house arrest, exile, limited movement).

Could He Be Released Soon? Scenarios

Given the facts, here are plausible scenarios for Barghouti’s release (and their likelihood):

Barghouti’s Book: One Thousand Nights in Solitary Confinement

This work deserves special attention, not just as memoir or prison literature, but as political act.

• The title signals endurance: “One Thousand Nights” evokes long periods of solitude and reflection.

• It describes serious hardship: long periods of solitary, difficult prison conditions, mental strain. 

• It is part of Barghouti’s strategy to remain visible, to keep drawing attention to political prisoners’ issues, and to assert moral and political legitimacy among supporters.

Comparisons & Symbolism

• Many Palestinian sources, and some international commentators, liken him to Nelson Mandela, for being a long-serving political prisoner who could become a unifying figure. They draw parallels in terms of symbolism, though the political, historical, and legal contexts differ significantly. 

• His case highlights issues of occupation, resistance, state of law, human rights, the tension between security and political reconciliation, and how narratives are constructed in conflict zones.

Conclusion

So, is Marwan Barghouti going to be released?

• The short answer: it is possible, but far from certain.

• He has been jailed since April 2002—over 23 years now—after being convicted in 2004 to multiple life sentences plus additional years.

• His case remains central to many prisoner swap / ceasefire negotiations; he is high on lists of those whom Hamas demands, and many Palestinians see his release as essential.

• However, legal obstacles, political opposition, security concerns, and negotiation complexity mean any release would be hard-won, likely part of a larger agreement.

His book, One Thousand Nights in Solitary Confinement, remains a testament of his experience—of resistance, suffering, and endurance.