Controversial street artist Banksy unveiled a new artwork outside the Royal Courts of Justice, with many interpreting the piece by the political commentator to be in reference to the legal treatment of pro-Palestinian protesters in the UK.
The piece shows a judge using a gavel to strike a protester lying on the ground with a placard. The only color on the piece is the red splattered on the placard, which appeared to resemble blood.
The painting appeared on the Queen’s Building and comes days after the Metropolitan Police arrested nearly 900 protesters against the proscription of Palestine Action in London.
Protesters alleged their demonstration was peaceful, according to the London Evening Standard, though the Met decried “intolerable” abuse aimed at officers.
Authorities cover up Banksy painting
Only hours after the painting was discovered, barriers were placed around the painting, blocking it from public view.
Notably, the artwork was installed in a heavily guarded location under a CCTV camera and nearby guards, according to multiple reports.
While Banksy’s artwork is often political, the artist’s choice of location has been considered especially deliberate, given how carefully guarded their identity has been throughout their career.