London’s Royal Courts of Justice became the latest canvas for Banksy on Monday, sparking both intrigue and police scrutiny.
The street artist, known for his provocative and politically charged works, spray-painted a mural depicting a judge striking a protester with a gavel on the Grade I-listed building before officials quickly covered it up.
Police Launch Investigation Into Criminal Damage
The Metropolitan Police confirmed they have opened an investigation into the graffiti after receiving a report of “criminal damage.”
While Banksy has remained anonymous for nearly three decades, any legal proceedings would require him to reveal his identity.
A police spokesperson said, “On Monday, 8 September, officers received a report of criminal damage to the side of the Royal Courts of Justice.
Enquiries continue.” Depending on the value of the damage, sentences could range from a few months to up to 10 years in prison.
Banksy Shares Artwork Online
True to form, Banksy gave the public a clear look at the mural via Instagram, captioning it “Royal Courts Of Justice. London.”
The image shows a protester on the ground holding a blood-stained placard while a judge, dressed in traditional wig and gown, raises a gavel.
The piece was stenciled on the Queen’s Building at the court complex but was swiftly hidden behind black plastic sheets and metal barriers.
HM Courts and Tribunals (HMCTS) confirmed that the mural will be removed, emphasizing the need to preserve the building’s historic character.
Protest Context Fuels the Artwork
The mural appears to reference the recent mass arrests in London during a pro-Palestine Action demonstration.
Nearly 900 people were detained in what is thought to be Britain’s largest mass arrest at a single protest. Scotland Yard condemned the “intolerable” abuse of officers during the rally, which drew around 1,500 participants. Many were arrested for supporting the proscribed group, banned earlier this year by the government.
Defend Our Juries, the campaign group behind the protest, praised Banksy’s work for “powerfully depicting the brutality unleashed…when the law is used as a tool to crush civil liberties.”
Banksy’s Recent and Historic Works
This latest mural follows a string of high-profile works.
In May, a Banksy mural surfaced in Marseille, France, featuring the phrase “I want you to be what you saw in me,” with clever shadow illusions integrated into the cityscape.
In London last year, Banksy staged an animal-themed series, including stencils of goats, elephants, monkeys, wolves, pelicans, cats, piranhas, and a gorilla releasing wildlife from London Zoo.
Earlier iconic works include 2003’s The Mild Mild West in Bristol and the infamous self-shredding Girl With Balloon, which became Love Is In The Bin and sold for £18.6 million in 2021.
Banksy’s Enigmatic Identity
Banksy has been a mysterious figure for over 25 years, selling works for hundreds of thousands of pounds while keeping his identity secret.
In 2008, The Mail on Sunday suggested the Bristol artist Robin Gunningham was Banksy, but the identity has never been officially confirmed.
His mix of social commentary, political provocation, and clever execution continues to captivate audiences worldwide.