Two activists who targeted a Pablo Picasso masterpiece at the National Gallery with a poster and red paint have been spared jail time. NHS worker Jai Halai, 25, and politics student Monday-Malachi Rosenfeld, 23, were handed 12-month community orders with 80 hours of unpaid work.
The pair were convicted of criminal damage by a Southwark Crown Court jury in July for their actions on October 9, 2024. They are members of the direct action group Youth Demand.
During the protest, Halai and Rosenfeld covered the Picasso painting "Motherhood" with a poster depicting a Gazan mother and child. They then poured water-based red paint on the gallery floor before chanting "Free Palestine."
Judge David Tomlinson acknowledged that the activists were attempting to raise awareness about the situation in Gaza. He stated that it was agreed they did not attempt to damage the artwork itself or its protective covering and frame. However, he noted that members of the public present had to be removed, curtailing their enjoyment of the gallery.
Michael Willie, head of security and facilities at the National Gallery, testified that no costs would have been incurred had it not been for the paint spilled on the floor. The paint stained the marble skirting, stanchion, and rope barriers, requiring some repairs. He indicated that while the paint could be cleaned, some actions were necessary to ensure the gallery was presentable the following morning, including sanding and refinishing parts of the floor. The total billed for the incident was approximately £8,000, with £271.59 specifically attributed to cleaning and £250.28 for response costs related to reopening the gallery.
During the trial, prosecutors stated the painting was specifically chosen due to its thematic similarity to the poster. Defense attorneys highlighted that the activists acted out of conscience, with Halai motivated by images of the Gaza conflict and Rosenfeld influenced by her Jewish faith and artistic background.
The activists were heard chanting "The UK is complicit in genocide [in Palestine]. Women are giving birth without any medical attention" and claimed significant public support for an arms embargo on Israel.
