London, September 2025 A striking new Banksy mural depicting a judge attacking a protester with a gavel has appeared on the historic Royal Courts of Justice. Emerging just days after nearly 900 arrests linked to Palestine Action protests, the artwork has quickly become a lightning rod for political debate. Court officials have since covered the mural with protective sheets and confirmed plans for its removal due to the building’s listed status, igniting controversy over free expression, public art, and the role of the judiciary in protest movements.
Judge and Protester: Symbolism in the Artwork
Visual Imagery and Interpretation
The mural shows a judge in full black robe and wig, striking a protester lying on the ground while holding a blood-stained placard. The red paint, splattered across the monochrome figure, adds dramatic emphasis and underscores themes of state violence.
Political Message
Observers interpret the work as Banksy’s critique of judicial authority and the UK government’s ban on Palestine Action, a protest movement recently designated as a terrorist organization. The imagery draws clear connections to the arrests and the state’s use of force against demonstrators.
Public and Political Reactions
Banksy’s Confirmation
Banksy confirmed authorship of the mural via Instagram, captioning it simply: “Royal Courts of Justice London.” This minimal acknowledgment has further fueled public speculation and debate.
Political and Human Rights Response
- Baroness Harriet Harman, a Labour peer, described the piece as “a protest about the law itself.”
- Amnesty International and other rights groups condemned the government’s ban on Palestine Action, calling it an attack on civil liberties.
- Members of the public are split: some applaud the mural as a bold critique of power, while others voice concern about defacing a listed historic building.
Connection to Palestine Action
Timing of the Artwork
The mural appeared only days after the UK government formally banned Palestine Action, citing national security concerns. The move led to almost 900 arrests during demonstrations in London and across the country.
Activist Perspective
Supporters argue the ban silences peaceful protest and undermines democratic freedoms. For them, Banksy’s artwork symbolizes the clash between state authority and the rights of citizens to protest.
Banksy’s Legacy of Political Commentary
A Global Voice Through Street Art
This is not the first time Banksy has addressed contentious global issues. His murals have highlighted themes of Palestinian struggles, migration, and government overreach.
- The Walled Off Hotel in Bethlehem stands as one of his most powerful political statements.
- Previous works in London, including murals of soldiers and masked activists, have consistently provoked discourse around power, justice, and human rights.
Removal and Preservation Debate
Historic Building Restrictions
The Royal Courts of Justice, a Victorian Gothic Revival landmark, has strict preservation rules. Court officials emphasized that the artwork must be removed carefully to protect the integrity of the building.
Future of the Mural
Authorities have covered the piece with barriers and security, sparking speculation over whether it might be preserved, relocated, or displayed in a museum. Past Banksy works have been removed under similar circumstances and later exhibited internationally.
Activist Reactions and Wider Implications
A Symbol of Resistance
Activists view the mural as more than just art—it is now a rallying symbol of resistance against restrictions on protest. For Palestine Action supporters, it validates their concerns about freedom of speech and state suppression.
Ongoing Debate
As officials prepare to remove the mural, the broader discussion continues: should politically charged street art be preserved as social commentary, or should historic preservation laws take precedence?
