Banksy's mural strikes a blow at the law

Judge-and-protester image outside London's Royal Courts sparks debate

A new mural by the anonymous British street artist Banksy has appeared on the exterior of the Royal Courts of Justice in central London, BBC News reported on Monday.

The black-and-white artwork shows a judge in a traditional wig and gown striking a protester lying on the ground with a gavel, with blood splattering from the protester's placard.

The mural was rapidly concealed with plastic sheets and metal barriers. Banksy confirmed authorship by posting a photograph of the piece on Instagram, captioned "Royal Courts Of Justice. London."

Court officials said the work would be removed, citing the building's listed status and the obligation to preserve its historic character. Security staff were stationed outside to guard the site, while the Metropolitan Police confirmed a report of criminal damage had been filed and enquiries were underway.

Its appearance came two days after police arrested nearly 900 demonstrators during protests in London against the ban on Palestine Action. The work does not, however, explicitly reference that or any other incident.

On Monday, the site on Carey Street beside the Queen's Building attracted crowds of onlookers eager to glimpse the hidden wall.

Reactions have been mixed. Labour peer Baroness Harriet Harman told the BBC she believed the image was "a protest about the law" but emphasised that judges only interpret legislation made by parliament.

She added there was no evidence that judges had restricted protest rights beyond parliament's intentions.

Banksy is known for politically charged stencilled graffiti that frequently critiques war, government policy, and consumerism. Last year, the artist created a series of animal-themed murals in London, including pieces at London Zoo and in Peckham. In 2019, he unveiled a "modified Nativity" in Bethlehem featuring Israel's separation barrier.