Banksy's Already Covered Painting in London Comments on the U.K.'s Palestine Action Crackdown

"On a wall outside the Royal Courts of Justice in Westminster, London, a new piece by Banksy appeared this morning before being covered up within hours. The short-lived artwork, which the artist shared on Instagram and the front page of his website, depicts a judge in traditional robes and a large wig beating a protester with a gavel as blood spatters across the demonstrator's placard."

"The piece by the anonymous artist is likely a response to the arrests of nearly 900 protestors during a rally against the ban on Palestine Action, a group that Britain has declared a terrorist organization. Membership in the group is considered a crime, which can be punished by up to 14 years in prison. Even though organizers insist the demonstration of around 1,500 was peaceful, The Met nevertheless arrested more than half of the attendees."

An image by Banksy appeared on a wall outside the Royal Courts of Justice and was covered within hours. The artwork shows a judge in traditional robes and a large wig striking a protester with a gavel as blood spatters across the demonstrator’s placard. The work appears linked to arrests of nearly 900 people at a rally opposing the ban on Palestine Action, a group declared a terrorist organization. Membership in the group is criminalized and can carry up to 14 years in prison. About 1,500 people attended the demonstration and more than half were arrested. The placement on the court building turns a symbol of authority into part of the critique.

Read at Colossal