A new mural by the famous street artist Banksy at the Royal Court of Justice, showing a judge using a gavel to beat a protestor, was soon covered up and guarded by security.
Banksy confirmed the authenticity of the work on the wall of the Queen’s Building through a post on Instagram on September 8. A protestor is shown lying on the ground in anguish while holding a white sign with red splash marks that resemble blood.
The graffiti artist has more than 13.3 million followers on the social media platform.
The image Banksy posted on his Instagram account on September 8.
Locals told the Guardian the image was in reference to recent arrests at a pro-Palestine protest in London on September 6. “I think it’s disgusting that they would just cover it up,” one local named Matteo told the Guardian. “They are clearly afraid of the response this will get.”
The newspaper also reported almost 900 people were detained by police during the demonstration against the banning of the protest group, Palestine Action.