A pro-Palestine activist was acquitted of criminal damage charges after spray-painting a statue of Winston Churchill in Parliament Square. Olax Outis, also known as Caspar San Giorgio, appeared at Southwark Crown Court where he denied causing damage by covering the statue with red paint bearing phrases such as “Zionist war criminal” and “Free Palestine.”

During the trial, the 39-year-old defendant, dressed in a red boiler suit displaying the slogan “I support Palestine Action,” argued that his actions were a form of protest aimed at sending a message to Parliament. He maintained that the paint used was washable and did not cause lasting harm to the statue. San Giorgio also contended that he could not be found guilty of criminal damage because he believed his protest was an effort to “prevent a crime.”

The prosecution claimed that the damage to the statue exceeded £7,000 in value, pointing to alterations made by the red paint. However, after considering the evidence and testimony, the jury found San Giorgio not guilty of the charge. The court’s decision was formally announced on Monday.

The case highlights ongoing tensions relating to activism and protest around historical monuments and political issues. Supporters of San Giorgio’s demonstration view it as a legitimate expression of dissent over political matters concerning Palestine, while critics argue that such acts constitute damage against public property and disrespect towards national symbols.