Banksy Mural Removed from London’s Royal Courts of Justice

Elusive street artist Banksy unveiled a new mural outside London’s Royal Courts of Justice on Monday, immediately drawing global attention.

The artwork depicts a judge in a traditional wig and gown striking an unarmed protester with a gavel, while the protester lies on the ground holding a bloodied placard. Banksy confirmed the piece through his Instagram account, his usual way of authenticating work.

Authorities quickly moved to cover the mural with black plastic and barriers, while police and security officers guarded the site. The U.K. courts service said the piece will be removed because the Royal Courts building, 143 years old and in Victorian gothic revival style, is a legally protected historic landmark. By law, listed buildings must be preserved in their original form.

While Banksy did not tie the mural to a specific event, activists connected it to the U.K. government’s recent ban on Palestine Action, a protest group.

Nearly 900 people were arrested over the weekend at demonstrations against the ban.

Advocacy groups argued that the mural symbolizes how law can be used to suppress civil liberties rather than protect them. The case surrounding Palestine Action’s appeal remains active in Britain’s courts.