Activists unveil Marwan Barghouti statue in London Parliament Square

• Barghouti has spent over 24 years in 'Israeli' prison
• Polls show continued support for his leadership
• Supporters compare him to Nelson Mandela

Activists staged a high-profile demonstration in Parliament Square today, unveiling a new statue dedicated to the imprisoned Palestinian political figure Marwan Barghouti.

The public display was short-lived, however, as demonstrating groups were quickly intercepted by law enforcement officers shortly after the monument was revealed.

While organizers acknowledge that the statue may not permanently stand in Parliament Square just yet, they framed the demonstration as part of a deeply just cause.

Activists expressed ultimate confidence that Barghouti will one day take his rightful place alongside the world's most recognized civil rights leaders.

Controversial conviction

Marwan Barghouti has been imprisoned by 'Israel' for a total of 24 years, 1 month, and 19 days.

Supporters and activists maintain that his imprisonment is for crimes he did not commit. Barghouti was originally convicted by an 'Israeli' court -a judicial body he refused to recognize- during a trial that drew widespread criticism from international legal experts and global human rights observers.

At the time of his arrest more than two decades ago, Barghouti was a sitting Palestinian parliamentarian.

Despite his prolonged physical absence from the political arena, his influence has not waned; he continuously ranks as the most popular choice for Palestinian leadership across contemporary opinion polls.

'Palestine’s Mandela'

Long viewed as a powerful symbol of hope, Barghouti has spent decades as a prominent advocate for the freedom and dignity of the Palestinian people.

This legacy has earned him the moniker "Palestine’s Mandela" among his supporters.

Activists at Parliament Square explicitly highlighted the historical parallels between the two figures.

They noted that Nelson Mandela was also once politically isolated and officially labeled a terrorist before eventually being universally recognized as a global symbol of freedom and justice. Proponents argue that Barghouti faces a strikingly similar fate as he remains isolated behind bars while his symbolic status grows internationally.