In the heart of London, the iconic statue of Sir Winston Churchill in Parliament Square became the latest canvas for protest, sprayed with red paint and potent messages overnight. The World War II leader’s monument was defaced with slogans like “Zionist war criminal,” “free Palestine,” and “stop the genocide.”
Authorities were quick to respond, with officers on the scene within minutes of being alerted. A 38-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of racially aggravated criminal damage. The situation escalated when he was further detained on suspicion of supporting Palestine Action, an organization proscribed under the Terrorism Act.
The vandalism drew swift condemnation. Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s office called the damage “completely abhorrent,” emphasizing Churchill as “a great Briton” and vowing to hold the perpetrator accountable. The Greater London Authority also denounced the act, working to remove the graffiti promptly.
A Dutch activist, identifying as Olax Outis, claimed responsibility for the stunt in a pre-recorded message, linking himself to a group supporting Palestine Action activists. The incident also brought to light the ongoing debate around slogans like “globalize the intifada,” which police have deemed grounds for arrest in efforts to counter antisemitism and incitement.
This isn’t the first time Churchill’s statue has been a focal point for protest, having been vandalized during Black Lives Matter and Extinction Rebellion demonstrations in recent years. The incident underscores the deeply felt political and historical tensions that continue to play out on public landmarks.
