Overview

• The stencil, showing a wigged judge striking a prone protester with a gavel, appeared on an exterior wall of the Royal Courts of Justice on Monday and was authenticated by Banksy on Instagram.
• Court staff quickly concealed the piece with plastic sheeting and barriers before contractors began scrubbing it off Tuesday, with work resuming Wednesday, according to officials and local reports.
• HM Courts and Tribunals Service said the heritage-listed status of the complex required restoration of the wall to its original character.
• The Metropolitan Police confirmed they received a report of criminal damage and that inquiries are ongoing.
• The timing drew links from activists to the near-900 arrests at a protest over the government’s proscription of Palestine Action, and media noted that any prosecution could, in theory, compel the artist to reveal his identity.