A brand new piece was unveiled by Banksy, which he announced on 8th September 2025 on his Instagram account. This marks his first work in the UK this year, following his previous piece revealed on 29 May 2025 in Marseille, France.

The work depicts a judge, in a traditional wig and black robe, looming over and beating a fallen protester with a gavel. Blood is seen to be splattered on the plaque the protester is still clutching, whilst lying on their back.

This piece was sprayed onto the wall of the Royal Courts of Justice, seemingly evoking controversial questions surrounding what defines 'justice'. While the mural itself made no explicit reference to a cause or incident, its creation came two days after almost 900 arrests were made at a London protest opposing the ban on Palestine Action.

Banksy has long expressed a provocative and consistent stance in support of Palestine. One of the most notable examples came in March 2017, when he opened the Walled Off Hotel in Bethlehem. Marketed as offering “the worst view in the world,” its windows look directly onto the separation wall in the West Bank.

This most recent work is perhaps a more widely applicable illustration of perceived injustice within the justice system. Although the timing of the work and Banksy's long-standing support of Palestine does suggest a link to the recent arrests.

The Metropolitan Police designated the mural as criminal damage. An HM Courts and Tribunals Service spokesperson confirmed the removal would be carried out under listed building rules, saying: “The Royal Courts of Justice is a listed building and HMCTS are obliged to maintain its original character.”

As the work is being treated as criminal damage, this could result in Banksy being brought before court, where his identity might be revealed.

The artwork was quickly covered up by large sheets of plastic and two metal barriers, whilst being guarded by security officials. The work was then quickly removed by the following day with images of a masked man scrubbing away the paint.

However, it has seemingly not been possible to completely remove, as a shadowed outline of the judge and the fallen protestor remains. It has been suggested by many that this ghost of the original acts as an even more powerful representation of silenced voices. Indeed, it makes one speculate as to whether this was Banksy’s intention. He would have known about the building’s listed status and that the mural would be removed by officials. Is it possible that Banksy intentionally used a specific medium intended to dye the white stone with this sinister silhouette that protests censorship?