Banksy’s Latest Mural Censored—By the Courts It Criticised

Banksky's Mural

The Censored Mural

LONDON, UK — Famed street artist Banksy has once again sparked controversy—only to be silenced almost immediately. On September 8, a new mural appeared on the walls of the Royal Courts of Justice, depicting a judge striking a protester with an oversized gavel. Hours later, the artwork was covered with black plastic and metal barriers by court staff.

The intervention proved Banksy’s point: his mural, widely interpreted as a critique of the UK’s crackdown on Palestine Action, was censored by the very institution it lampooned. The piece was confirmed by Banksy through his official Instagram account, instantly drawing thousands of reactions.

“By choosing the Royal Courts of Justice, Banksy transforms a symbol of authority into a platform for debate,” said Jasper Tordoff, art specialist at MyArtBroker.

The timing was crucial: it came just days after the UK government designated Palestine Action a terrorist organization, sparking outrage among human rights groups who accuse authorities of criminalizing dissent. The covering of the mural drew swift condemnation online. Billionaire Elon Musk joined the conversation on X (formerly Twitter), writing: “The more they try to cover it up, the more it will appear.” Activist group Defend Our Juries called the censorship “a perfect illustration of how power reacts to truth.”

“When the law is used to crush civil liberties, it strengthens dissent,” the group said.

This is not the first time Banksy has tackled contentious global issues. From murals in Bethlehem depicting life under occupation, to works in London satirizing surveillance and inequality, his art consistently blurs the line between activism and artistry.

By targeting the Royal Courts of Justice, Banksy has amplified debates about freedom of expression, the role of law in politics, and Britain’s controversial stance on pro-Palestinian activism. Critics argue the government’s aggressive stance risks stifling legitimate protest movements and eroding public trust. By censoring Banksy’s mural, the judiciary inadvertently validated the artist’s critique.

For cultural commentators, the incident raises an important question: can art still serve as a voice of accountability in an era of growing state censorship? Already, replicas and digital renderings of the mural are circulating online, ensuring the image cannot be erased. International media outlets have framed the episode as a symbolic clash between artistic expression and state authority.