Efforts to Erase Banksy’s Latest Mural May Have Reinforced Its Message
Earlier this week, on September 8, 2025, a fresh mural by the elusive street artist Banksy surfaced on a wall in London. The artwork was specifically created on the Queen’s Building within the Royal Courts of Justice complex, and it didn’t take long for efforts to erase it to begin, resulting in the controversial piece being partially removed.
Banksy has consistently engaged with political themes, but his most recent work seems to have particularly resonated with the British government. The original graffiti showcases a protester sprawled on the ground, gripping a blood-stained placard, while a judge in a traditional wig and gown towers above, gavel in hand. Many see this piece as a commentary on pro-Palestine protests and the recent detainment of nearly 900 activists in London.
Security personnel swiftly acted to obscure the artwork, covering it with a plastic sheet and erecting two metal barriers in front of the wall. Officials were quick to emphasize that the Royal Courts of Justice is a listed heritage structure that is legally protected to maintain its original appearance. In a statement, HM Courts & Tribunals Service noted, “The Royal Courts of Justice is a listed building and HMCTS are obliged to maintain its original character.”
Efforts to wash away the mural have already commenced, but images and videos circulating online reveal that these attempts have, thus far, been largely ineffective. What remains is a hazy, spectral outline that many argue amplifies the impact of the piece, as if Banksy’s message has been reinforced by the attempts at censorship. With months of arrests related to protests against the government’s decision to label Palestine Action as a terrorist organization, many are now questioning whether free speech and the right to protest are at risk in the UK.
Some online users even speculate that this may have been Banksy’s intention from the beginning. On Reddit, one commenter suggested, “This might be intentional. Banksy must have anticipated their reaction, so he likely used a different type of paint for the silhouette that’s more difficult to remove. He tricked the government into engaging in performance art.” Another individual concurred, stating, “This outcome may have been Banksy’s goal from the very beginning. He could have aimed to utilize the UK government as a fading filter all along.”
Meanwhile, others have pointed out that the graffiti was destined to be removed regardless of its message, since it was applied to a Grade I listed historic building. Nonetheless, in their attempts to erase Banksy, the authorities may have merely intensified the prominence of his message.