A new mural by street artist Banksy, depicting a judge beating a protester with a gavel, has been removed from the Royal Courts of Justice in London.
The stenciled work showed a protester on the ground holding a bloodied placard as a judge in a wig and gown struck him. It appeared on the courthouse wall Monday, shortly after Banksy posted an image of it on Instagram to authenticate the piece.
By Wednesday, workers had scrubbed the artwork away following an order from court administrators. A spokesperson said the 143-year-old Victorian Gothic building must preserve its historic character, making the removal necessary.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed they are investigating a complaint that the mural constituted criminal damage.
Banksy’s spokesperson did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Though the mural made no direct reference to a specific event, some activists interpreted it as commentary on the U.K. government’s recent ban on Palestine Action, designated as a terrorist organization. Nearly 900 people were arrested at a London protest against the ban last weekend.
The Royal Courts of Justice houses the Court of Appeal and the High Court, both of which have been involved in legal challenges surrounding Palestine Action.
