A provocative mural by the mysterious street artist Banksy has been scrubbed from the walls of London's historic Royal Courts of Justice, just two days after it appeared. The controversial artwork depicted a judge in traditional wig and black robes violently beating a protester with a gavel, while the victim lay on the ground holding a blood-splattered placard.
The stenciled spray painting appeared on Monday on an exterior wall of the iconic courthouse complex, which houses both the Court of Appeal and High Court. Unlike many of Banksy's other works that are sometimes carefully preserved, stolen, or removed for gallery display and auction sales worth millions of dollars, this latest piece was completely erased on Wednesday by order of court administrators.
Court officials justified the removal by citing the building's historical significance and the need to maintain its original character. The 143-year-old Victorian Gothic revival style courthouse is considered a heritage site, and administrators felt the artwork compromised its architectural integrity, according to a spokesperson who spoke to the Associated Press.
The London Metropolitan Police have launched an investigation following complaints that the mural constituted criminal damage to public property. Officers are treating the case as potential vandalism, though Banksy's spokesperson has not responded to requests for comment regarding the investigation or the artwork's removal.
Banksy authenticated the work through his usual method of posting a photograph on his Instagram account, which quickly drew widespread attention before the mural was covered up. The elusive artist, whose real identity remains unknown after decades of creating politically charged street art, has built a reputation for criticizing government policies on migration, war, and social justice issues.
While the artwork made no explicit reference to specific events, activists and observers interpreted it as commentary on the UK government's recent ban on Palestine Action, a group that has been officially designated as a terrorist organization. The timing of the mural's appearance seemed particularly significant, coming after nearly 900 people were arrested during a London protest on Saturday challenging the government's prohibition of the group.
The Royal Courts of Justice has become central to the legal battle over Palestine Action's status, with both the Court of Appeal and High Court weighing in on the organization's efforts to challenge the ban. In a complex legal process, appellate judges initially rejected Palestine Action's request to appeal the terrorist designation, but a High Court judge subsequently allowed the appeal to proceed. However, the government is now challenging that decision, creating an ongoing legal dispute that continues to unfold within the very building where Banksy's mural appeared.
The incident highlights the ongoing tension between artistic expression and property rights, particularly when controversial political messages are involved. Banksy's works have previously sparked similar debates about the value of street art versus concerns about vandalism and property damage, often leading to complicated decisions about preservation or removal.
