A new Banksy artwork depicting a judge beating a protester with a gavel appeared on the wall of the Royal Courts of Justice in London on Monday morning, only to be quickly covered by court staff. The artist confirmed the piece on Instagram, showing a lawyer and cyclist passing the image on the Queen's Building.
The stencil shows a protester lying on the ground holding a white placard with a red mark resembling blood, while a judge wields a gavel. It is thought to reference pro-Palestine demonstrations, following a weekend protest where nearly 900 people were detained.
Witness Matteo reported guards blocking photos from 8.30am, with more staff arriving to cover the artwork. He criticised the move, saying, 'They are clearly afraid of the response this will get.' A spokesperson for Defend Our Juries said the artwork shows that 'the state can try to strip away our civil liberties, but we are too many in number.'
HM Courts and Tribunals Service stated the artwork was being removed because the Queen's Building is a Grade II-listed structure, and they are 'obliged to maintain its original character.' Banksy, known for political works, previously painted on Israel's West Bank separation wall.
