Churchill Statue in Parliament Square Vandalized with ‘Zionist War Criminal’
The statue of Sir Winston Churchill in Parliament Square has been vandalized with the phrase “Zionist war criminal” among others. This incident took place overnight, and the statue has since been cordoned off for cleaning. Graffiti including “Stop the Genocide” and “Free Palestine” was sprayed in red paint on the statue.
Details of the Vandalism Incident
Other phrases found on the sculpture include “Never again is Now” and “Globalise the Intifada.” The statue, a bronze work standing 12 feet tall, was created by Ivor Roberts-Jones and unveiled in 1973 by Lady Clementine Churchill, the former prime minister’s wife.
Public Reactions and Social Media Response
- Dave Rich, director of policy for Community Security Trust, highlighted the extremism associated with the messages on social media.
- Comments from users included strong disapproval and claims regarding Churchill’s legacy.
- One user referred to the vandalism as a disgrace, while another emphasized the educational aspect regarding Churchill’s controversial views.
Historical Context of the Statue
The Churchill statue is one of 12 in and around Parliament Square, which predominantly honors notable statesmen like Nelson Mandela and Abraham Lincoln. This statue has faced vandalism on several occasions, often coinciding with protests.
Previous Incidents of Vandalism
- During a Black Lives Matter protest in June 2020, the statue was defaced with accusations of racism.
- In October 2020, an Extinction Rebellion activist received a fine for painting “racist” on its plinth during climate-related protests.
Police Comments and Security Concerns
The Metropolitan Police and Greater Manchester Police have previously warned that chanting “globalise the intifada” could lead to arrests, particularly in relation to recent terror attacks.
Authorities are currently investigating the current defacement, bringing attention to the ongoing societal tensions surrounding historical figures like Churchill.
