Banksy Unveils London Mural Highlighting Arrests at Palestine Protests

British street artist Banksy unveiled a provocative mural outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London depicting a judge striking a protester with a gavel, highlighting the UK government's crackdown on demonstrations, particularly those supporting the banned group Palestine Action. The artwork appeared shortly after nearly 900 people were arrested under the Terrorism Act for protesting the proscription of Palestine Action, which the Labour Government designated a terrorist organization following direct actions against Israeli-owned arms firms. The piece, Banksy's first UK work in over a year, was swiftly covered by black plastic sheets and metal barriers and is situated under CCTV surveillance, underscoring tensions around free speech and civil liberties in Britain. Human rights concerns have been raised internationally, including by the UN, over the UK government's treatment of these protesters. Banksy, known for his politically charged and satirical art, uses this mural to comment on the perceived brutality of the government’s protest laws and their impact on dissent. Public reaction to the artwork has been strong, with many praising Banksy’s bold critique amid ongoing debates about protest rights and government authority.