A new mural by the elusive British street artist Banksy appeared on the rear wall of the Royal Courts of Justice in central London on Monday morning, only to be swiftly covered with plastic sheets, metal barriers, and round-the-clock security.
The work depicts a judge in a traditional wig and robe, striking a fallen protester with his gavel. The protester clutches a placard splattered with blood, a haunting image that quickly drew attention across social media and news outlets.
Although Banksy captioned the mural simply as “Royal Courts of Justice, London” on Instagram, many interpret it as a response to the recent demonstrations in the British capital, during which nearly 900 people were arrested for protesting the government’s ban on the activist group Action for Palestine.
The location of the mural is itself symbolic: a secluded wall of the nation’s highest judicial authority transformed overnight into a canvas questioning the balance of justice and state power. Despite the street’s usual quiet, crowds gathered on Monday to view and photograph the artwork.
As is customary, Banksy confirmed authorship by posting the image on his Instagram account. Known for his sharp political commentary, he has repeatedly used public walls to provoke debate—from painting on the Israeli separation barrier in 2002 to funding a refugee rescue ship in the Mediterranean with proceeds from his art.
This latest intervention continues Banksy’s tradition of satirical, confrontational street art that challenges authority and highlights social unrest. The rapid decision to conceal the mural underlines how his works remain flashpoints of controversy and catalysts for public debate.
