Banksy artwork to be removed to maintain building's "original character"
A new work by Banksy appeared on Monday at the Palace of Justice in London, United Kingdom. However, the authority responsible for administering the criminal, civil, and family courts in England and Wales announced that the mural will be removed to preserve the building's "original character."
"The Palace of Justice is a listed building and Her Majesty's Courts and Tribunals Service in England and Wales (HMCTS) is obliged to maintain its original character," a spokesperson for the body said, quoted by Sky News.
It should be noted that the work, which was shared by the artist on social media, depicts a judge – wearing a wig and a black robe – beating a protester lying on the ground, who is trying to defend himself with a blood-spattered poster.
The painting was, however, covered with two metal barriers and a black card, and is under surveillance by both security guards and CCTV.
The piece appeared two days after 890 people were arrested by London police during demonstrations in support of Palestine Action.
A new mural by Banksy appeared this Monday at the Palace of Justice in London. The artist shared the work on social media, depicting a judge—wearing a wig and black robe—beating a protester lying on the ground.
Daniela Filipe | 2:51 PM - 9/8/2025According to authorities, 857 protesters were detained for supporting the collective, which was outlawed last July, while 33 were detained for assaulting police officers and committing other crimes against public order.
A spokesperson for the group Defend Our Juries, which organized Saturday's rally, said the mural "powerfully portrays the brutality unleashed by Yvette Cooper [former Interior Minister, now Foreign Minister] against protesters by banning Palestine Action."
"When the law is used as a tool to crush civil liberties, it doesn't extinguish dissent, it strengthens it. As Banksy's work shows, the state may try to take away our civil liberties, but there are many of us, and our determination to fight injustice is unwavering—our movement against the ban is unstoppable and growing every day," he said.
It should be noted that, although there is no direct reference to the Gaza protests in this work, Banksy has already created murals supporting the Palestinian cause, particularly in the West Bank.
Browse the gallery and see images of this new work.
London police today updated the number of people arrested on Saturday at demonstrations in support of the banned group Palestine Action to 890, during a protest marked by violent clashes.
Lusa | 15:59 - 07/09/2025Read Also: London Judge Attacks Protester at Banksy Artwork at Palace of Justice
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