Banksy's controversial mural taken down from London's Royal Courts of Justice

A mural by street artist Banksy is set to be removed from the wall of the Queen's Building in the Royal Courts of Justice in London.

The mural, which appeared on Monday, depicts a protester lying on the ground with a blood-spattered placard while a judge in a wig and gown looms over him, wielding a gavel.

Since its discovery, the artwork has been covered up and guarded by security staff.

The HM Courts & Tribunals Service confirmed that the mural would be removed due to the building's listed status, which legally protects its character.

Banksy confirmed his authorship of the mural through an Instagram post showcasing the graffiti before it was covered.

The piece has been interpreted by some as a commentary on the recent arrests of individuals supporting Palestine Action, a group that was banned by the government in July after activists damaged RAF planes.

The mural's appearance follows statements from the Lady Chief Justice, who raised concerns about the safety of judges, citing an increase in "sensationalist and inaccurate abuse."

The Metropolitan Police have classified the mural as criminal damage and stated that inquiries are ongoing.

Banksy's work is often critical of government policy, war, and capitalism.

Last summer, he launched an animal-themed campaign in London featuring nine works, including a gorilla lifting a shutter at the entrance to London Zoo. Other notable pieces included piranhas on a police sentry box and a howling wolf on a satellite dish, which was removed shortly after its unveiling in Peckham.