Banksy's mural at London's High Court reported for criminal damage

Banksy's latest mural , which appeared last Monday on the facade of London's High Court, has sparked a new political and legal storm. The work, which depicts a judge hitting an unarmed protester with a gavel, was reported as a case of criminal damage to public property.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed the complaint in a statement and stated that their investigation is continuing. On Monday, a judicial spokesperson noted that the building where the mural was painted has Grade I listing , meaning it is a property of exceptional historical importance and protected by law, meaning no modifications can be made that would alter its character. "Regardless of the author, we cannot allow graffiti on a listed property."

The incident comes amid heightened social tensions , following recent mass arrests at protests linked to the Palestine Action group, which was declared illegal by the British government. For many activists, Banksy's mural was a direct denunciation of the use of judicial power against dissent.

The official reaction was swift: just hours after its appearance, the mural was covered with black plastic and protected by metal fences under police guard . Government critics emphasize the irony that a work denouncing repression and censorship has been silenced so quickly.

Banksy, whose identity has remained secret for more than 25 years and has been the subject of much speculation, would be required to publicly reveal his name if he were brought to court following the police investigation. Various British media outlets report that criminal damage carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison if he causes more than £5,000 in damage, and if it causes less than that amount, the maximum penalty is three months or a £2,500 fine.