A new Banksy graffiti caused a sensation in London, appearing on the exterior wall of the Royal Courts of Justice. The artwork depicts a judge striking a protester, with its appearance coming just days after major demonstrations in the city. The immediate response from authorities led to the artwork being covered with plastic sheeting and barriers, drawing crowds of people to photograph it before its removal. The incident highlights the continued power of street art as a medium for social and political criticism. Court officials stated that the removal was carried out to protect the authentic appearance of the historic building.
BREAKING: They’re scrubbing @banksy
The court is erasing Banksy’s mural just like it’s erasing our right to protest. pic.twitter.com/9PSKYcI2Dy
— Good Law Project (@GoodLawProject) September 10, 2025
The Metropolitan Police confirmed they have received a complaint regarding “criminal damage to property” and are continuing investigations to identify the perpetrator. Banksy, from Bristol, posted a photograph of the artwork on Instagram with the caption “Royal Courts Of Justice. London,” confirming its authenticity.
View this post on Instagram.
Banksy’s stencils frequently comment on government policy, war, and capitalism. Last summer, he launched a campaign featuring animals across London, including nine pieces such as a gorilla lifting a shutter at the entrance to London Zoo, piranhas on a police sentry box, and a wolf on a satellite dish, some of which were quickly removed.
Legendary artist Bansky has hit Royal courts of justice with his stencil art.
It depicts a judge (justice system) striking a protestor (common people) with his gravel while cctv cam is turned away.
Meanwhile, Police are deployed to cover the art. How epic, how universal. pic.twitter.com/1N83DlVKzp
— آزاد رینــچ (@NaikRooh) September 9, 2025
Banksy remains one of the world’s most popular street artists, with his identity remaining unknown. Often described as “elusive” and “secretive,” he has admirers and collectors among Hollywood celebrities like Brad Pitt. For many he’s a hero, for others a vandal, but he remains anonymous, a self-described prankster and anti-establishment figure.