A Banksy artwork portraying a judge striking a protester with a gavel has been removed off the walls of the Royal Courts of Justice in London.
The Metropolitan Police cordoned off the mural in Westminster, while a worker scrubbed it off with chemicals.
It has been less than 24 hours since the graffiti by the anonymous artist was first spotted.
The image was uploaded Monday on his Instagram account as proof of its authenticity.
Showing a protester, holding a blank placard with splatters of blood, lying on the ground as a judge wearing a traditional gown and wig wields a gavel over them, it is thought to criticise the crackdown on protests in solidarity with Palestine Action in the UK.
The mural was painted days after almost 900 people were detained during a protest in London opposing the government’s proscription of the group.
The HM Courts and Tribunal Services confirmed that the artwork would be removed because of the historical significance of the building.
The 143-year-old complex ‘is a listed building and HMCTS are obliged to maintain its original character,’ the service said in a statement.
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