New Banksy mural appears at Royal Courts of Justice

A new mural by Banksy, illustrating a judge assaulting a protester, has appeared on the Royal Courts of Justice in London. The artwork coincided with a protest where nearly 900 individuals were arrested, drawing attention to the ongoing debate surrounding the ban on Palestine Action. Court officials quickly covered the mural with plastic and metal barriers, emphasizing the need to preserve the building's historical character. The Metropolitan Police confirmed they are investigating reports of criminal damage related to the mural. Labour peer Baroness Harriet Harman indicated that the piece serves as a protest against legal interpretations, though she did not clarify which laws were being critiqued.

Banksy, known for his politically charged graffiti, often addresses issues of government policy and civil rights. The Royal Courts of Justice, a listed building, is located on Carey Street, which saw a surge of onlookers capturing images of the hidden mural. Previous Banksy works have also sparked controversy, highlighting social and political issues both in the UK and internationally.