Banksy mural of judge beating protester at Royal Courts of Justice in London to be removed [View all]

Source: CBS News/AP

September 8, 2025 / 4:00 PM EDT


Banksy, the famously anonymous street artist, unveiled a new mural at the Royal Courts of Justice in London on Monday. Shortly after, authorities said it would be removed.

The mural is of a judge appearing to beat a protester lying on the ground with a gavel. The protester is holding a blank sign with splattered red paint, seemingly depicting blood.

Banksy posted a photo of the work on Instagram, his usual method of claiming a work as authentic. It was captioned "Royal Courts Of Justice. London."


Undated photo released by Banksy of the new artwork by the artist which portrays a judge beating a protester with a gavel at the Royal Courts of Justice in London.

Banksy / AP

Security officials outside the courthouse covered the artwork Monday with sheets of black plastic and two metal barriers, and it was being guarded by two officers and a security camera. Because the Victorian gothic revival style building is 143 years old, the mural will be removed with consideration for its historical significance, according to HM Courts and Tribunals.

Read more: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/banksy-new-mural-london-royal-courts-judge-beating-protester/