A new mural attributed to the elusive street artist Banksy has appeared on the side of the Royal Courts of Justice in central London.
The artwork depicts a judge in a traditional wig and black robe striking a protester lying on the ground, with what appears to be blood splattered across the protester's placard. The mural does not explicitly reference a particular cause or incident; it emerged two days after nearly 900 people were arrested at a London protest connected to the ban on Palestine Action.
Images circulating on social media show the artwork already covered with large sheets of plastic and flanked by two metal barriers. A photograph of the same piece was posted on Instagram by the Bristol-based artist, a move commonly used by Banksy to indicate authenticity.
There was no immediate comment from court officials or the police about the mural. The Royal Courts of Justice is a working court complex in the Strand area of central London, and public artworks on its exterior walls are not typical.
Banksy is known for politically charged street art that has appeared in cities worldwide. His works often appear without prior announcement and are frequently reclaimed by posting a photograph on his verified Instagram account. Past pieces have sparked public debate, legal responses and efforts to preserve or remove the works.
The emergence of the mural follows large-scale demonstrations in London and heightened public attention to protests involving Palestine Action. Organisers and critics of recent policing tactics have disputed accounts of events and arrests at the demonstrations, and the timing of the mural has renewed discussion about the intersection of art and political protest.
Media and social platforms are continuing to report on the mural's status and any official responses. The photograph posted by the artist remains the primary public claim of authorship at this stage, and authorities have yet to confirm whether the image will be preserved, removed or covered permanently.