Free Gaza (mural)
Date: 2009
Region: Europe
Subject: Political/Economic/Social Opinion
Medium: Public Art Painting
Artist: Mohammed Ali
Confronting Bodies: West Midlands Police Officers and Council in Birmingham, UK
Date of Action: February 26 2009
Location: Front of a building in Alum Rock, Birmingham, UK
Description of Artwork: Graffiti mural painting with the words "Free Gaza" painted over a fence, a bloody hand waving the Palestine flag.
The Incident: The West Midlands police sandblasted the mural on their Sergeant's orders after also receiving permission from building owner. It was removed "for fear it would trigger racial violence." According to the DailyMail, "the decision was taken to remove the image following a 'risk assessment' they had carried out."
Results of Incident: Ali met with police staff to discuss the removal.