Popular Palestinian calls for change

Marwan Barghouti faces life in Israeli prison if convicted

By Jeremy Cooke BBC correspondent in Jerusalem

One of the most popular leaders of the Palestinian uprising has called for a change in the Palestinian leadership.

Marwan Barghouti, who is in Israeli custody facing terrorism charges, says it is time for a new generation of younger leaders to take control.

Mr Barghouti is one of the few alternatives to Yasser Arafat

Marwan Barghouti is a hugely popular figure in the West Bank where he is widely regarded as a leader of the Palestinian uprising or Intifada.

And his appearances in an Israeli court have if anything added to his status as a figurehead of Palestinian resistance.

Now in a written response to questions put by the Associated Press, Mr Barghouti says the time has come for many Palestinian leaders and officials to leave their positions after failing in their roles and responsibilities.

He goes on to say that change needs to come soon and by democratic means.

Alternative

Mr Barghouti makes no specific mention of Yasser Arafat but it is clear that he is one of the few real alternatives to the veteran Palestinian leader.

A recent poll suggested he already commands 21% of Palestinians compared with 35% for Mr Arafat, but Marwan Barghouti's political ambitions depend not only on his popularity with his own people.

He is in Israeli custody facing multiple charges of murder, attempted murder and being an accessory to murder.

If he is convicted, Marwan Barghouti could face life in prison.