The mysterious street artist and political provocateur Banksy has made a bold new statement—this time with a mural placed just outside the steps of the Royal Courts of Justice, one of London’s most iconic and historic landmarks.
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According to the Associated Press, the striking artwork appeared on Sept. 8 and depicts a protester lying on the ground, holding up a blank, blood-spattered placard. Looming over them is a traditional judge, wearing a horse-hair wig and raising a gavel in a violent gesture.
Later that day, Banksy shared the mural on Instagram with the caption, “Royal Courts of Justice. London.”
Security quickly responded. By Monday, officials had covered the piece with black plastic sheets and erected two metal barriers around it. Two officers and a security camera were assigned to guard the site. Given that the Royal Courts of Justice—built in the Victorian Gothic Revival style—is 143 years old and a designated heritage site, officials confirmed that the mural would be removed carefully to protect the building’s historic character.
“The Royal Courts of Justice is a listed building and HMCTS are obliged to maintain its original character,” HM Courts and Tribunals Service said in a statement. Listed status is reserved for buildings deemed historically or architecturally significant, and these structures are legally protected from alterations that could affect their original design.
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Activists believe the mural is a nod to the UK’s ban against the pro-Palestinian group, Palestine Action.
While Banksy’s mural doesn’t reference any specific event or cause, activists have interpreted it as a response to the UK government’s recent decision to ban Palestine Action, a British pro-Palestinian direct action group founded in 2020 to campaign against what it calls Israeli apartheid. The ban has triggered widespread controversy. On September 6, a mass protest in London was organized, during which nearly 900 demonstrators were arrested in support of the organization.
Protesters argue that outlawing the group is a serious violation of free speech and a blatant attempt to silence opposition. They say Palestine Action has exposed uncomfortable truths about the UK government’s role in supporting arms deals with Israel and that the group’s direct action tactics—though controversial—are an essential form of civil resistance. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, who oversees British law enforcement, dismissed that view. She defended the ban, stating it was imposed due to the group’s involvement in “serious attacks involving violence, significant injuries and extensive criminal damage.”
Defend Our Juries, the organization behind the protest, released a statement saying the mural “powerfully depicts the brutality unleashed” by the government’s crackdown.
“When the law is used as a tool to crush civil liberties, it does not extinguish dissent; it strengthens it,” the group added, according to The Associated Press.
Legal battles over the ban continue. Initially, judges rejected Palestine Action’s appeal against the ruling. However, a High Court judge later allowed the appeal to proceed, an outcome the government is now challenging.
This isn’t the first time Banksy’s street art has sparked controversy with his visually stunning graffiti art.
Here are 10 powerful murals that showcase how the mysterious artist continues to captivate, challenge, and inspire through his unforgettable creations.