Churchill Statue Defaced with Controversial Graffiti in Parliament Square
The iconic bronze statue of Sir Winston Churchill in Parliament Square, Westminster, has been targeted by vandals who sprayed it with red paint graffiti early on Friday morning. The defacement included the phrase "Zionist war criminal" directly referencing the former prime minister, alongside other politically charged slogans.
Details of the Vandalism
Witnesses reported that the historic monument was covered in multiple phrases sprayed in bright red paint. Alongside the "Zionist war criminal" accusation, other visible graffiti included "Stop the Genocide," "Free Palestine," "Never again is Now," and "Globalise the Intifada." The latter slogan has been particularly controversial in recent months.
The statue has been immediately cordoned off by authorities as cleaning crews began work on Friday morning to remove the paint from the bronze sculpture. Westminster City Council confirmed they were overseeing the cleanup operation, though the extent of any permanent damage remains unclear.
Police Response and Context
This incident occurs against a backdrop of heightened police scrutiny regarding certain political chants and slogans. Last December, both the Metropolitan Police and Greater Manchester Police announced that anyone chanting "globalise the intifada" would face arrest, following terror attacks at Bondi Beach and Heaton Park synagogue in Manchester.
The Metropolitan Police have been contacted for comment regarding whether this vandalism constitutes a hate crime or if any arrests have been made. Westminster City Council has also been approached for their statement on the security of historical monuments in the area.
Historical Significance and Reactions
The Churchill statue, unveiled in 1973, has been a focal point in Parliament Square for decades, representing Britain's wartime leadership. Previous incidents have seen the monument targeted during protests, but this represents one of the most explicitly political defacements in recent memory.
Local authorities are now reviewing security measures around the square's monuments, while heritage groups have expressed concern about the protection of public statues. The cleanup operation is expected to continue throughout Friday as specialists work to remove the paint without damaging the bronze surface.
