Artwork

You can’t wash away genocide

September 11, 2025 2 Mins Read


Kneecap have responded over a protest artwork by Banksy after it was scrubbed from the Royal Courts Of Justice in London.

The mural, which depicted a protester lying on the ground holding a blood-spattered placard while a judge, in a wig and gown, looms over him, wielding a gavel, appeared on an external wall at the complex in the capital earlier this week.

But it has since been covered up at various points since it was discovered and guarded by security staff, with the HM Courts & Tribunals Service confirming that it would be removed due to the building being listed and therefore legally protected, according to BBC News.

The move has been criticised by Kneecap who initially hailed the mural as hitting the “fucking nail on the head”.

After it was initially covered up they wrote on X: “Banksy mural now. Do not talk about Gaza. Do not humanise Palestinians. Do not make art that exposes war crimes. Move on. See it. Say it. Censored.”

In another post they added: “You can’t wash away genocide….your complicity will always remain.”

Banksy has since confirmed he was responsible for the work with a post on Instagram, showing the mural before it was covered over.

It has been interpreted by some as a comment on the arrest of hundreds of people for supporting Palestine Action for holding up placards at protests.

The protest group’s recent proscription under the Terrorism Act 2000 means membership or public support for the group is classified as a criminal offence and could result in up to 14 years in jail.

The government have been slammed by the likes of Massive Attack, Primal Scream and Hozier for doing so. Up to 890 people were arrested at a protest against the banning of Palestine Action as a terror group in London last weekend, according to Sky News.

It comes as the Kneecap’s Mo Chara is currently facing terrorism charges levelled against him in May for allegedly displaying a Hezbollah flag onstage at a London show last November. Chara appeared in court last month, where the case was adjourned until September 26.

Kneecap have consistently denied supporting either Hamas or Hezbollah, and said that they do not incite or condone violence. They have also argued that the footage at the UK shows had been taken out of context, and described the legal action as a “carnival of distraction”.

Elsewhere, the band recently announced a livestreamed performance for fans in the wake of their cancelled US tour.





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