• A new Banksy mural depicts a judge beating a protester, referencing recent protests against Palestine Action's ban.
• The artwork was covered up shortly after its unveiling at the Royal Courts of Justice in London.
• Almost 900 people were arrested during the protests that sparked the mural's creation.
• Activists have interpreted the mural as a critique of the UK government’s crackdown on civil liberties.
• The mural's removal is prioritized due to the historical significance of the building.

A new mural by the renowned street artist Banksy has emerged at the Royal Courts of Justice in London, illustrating a judge striking a protester lying on the ground, clutching a blood-splattered placard. The artwork was unveiled shortly after major protests concerning the UK's ban on the group Palestine Action, where almost 900 individuals were arrested, and has since become a focal point for discussions about civil liberties in Britain, according to BBC, Reuters, and Middle East Eye.

Immediately following the mural's appearance, security officials covered it with black plastic sheets and metal barriers, citing the need to protect the historical integrity of the 143-year-old building, a Grade One-listed structure. HM Courts and Tribunals emphasized their obligation to maintain the site's original character, as reported by South China Morning Post and CBS News.

The mural's timing appears to respond to widespread crackdowns on pro-Palestinian activism and protests that followed the UK government's designation of Palestine Action as a terrorist organization. The mural's imagery—a gavel struck by a bewigged judge—has elicited interpretations from various activist groups, with claims it highlights state oppression against civil rights, as discussed by Al Jazeera and Los Angeles Times.

While Banksy has a history of political commentary through his work, including murals supporting Palestinian causes, this latest piece specifically resonates with current pressures against the right to protest in the UK. His earlier installations—often seen as acts of defiance against political injustices—highlight his commitment to social issues and critical perspectives on government actions, as recounted by BBC and Reuters.