New Banksy artwork emerges at Royal Courts of Justice

A new mural by the street artist Banksy has been spotted on the Royal Courts of Justice building in central London. The artwork portrays a judge in traditional attire hitting a protester on the ground, with blood splattering a placard.

The mural appeared shortly after nearly 900 people were arrested during a London protest against the ban on Palestine Action. The artwork was covered up promptly with large sheets of plastic and metal barriers, and court officials confirmed it would be removed.

The Metropolitan police received a report of criminal damage and stated that investigations were ongoing. A spokesperson for HM Courts and Tribunals mentioned the obligation to maintain the original character of the listed Royal Courts of Justice building.

The mural is located on the external wall of the Queen's Building within the Royal Courts of Justice complex on Carey Street. Onlookers gathered to take pictures of the concealed artwork, with security guards stationed outside the building.

Banksy, known for his critical stencilled graffiti, shared a photo of the mural on Instagram, confirming it as his work. Labour peer Baroness Harriet Harman interpreted the mural as a protest about the law, emphasizing the role of Parliament in legislation.

Banksy's previous works in London have included an animal-themed campaign, with notable pieces like a gorilla at London Zoo and piranhas on a police sentry box. The artist has also created works in the West Bank, such as a modified Nativity scene near Israel's separation barrier in Bethlehem.