A pro-Palestine activist was acquitted of criminal damage charges after defacing a statue of Sir Winston Churchill in Parliament Square with red graffiti. Olax Outis, 39, who also goes by the name Caspar San Giorgi, faced accusations of causing more than £7,000 in damage.

Outis climbed the Churchill statue and sprayed slogans including “Stop the Genocide,” “Free Palestine,” and a phrase describing Churchill as a “Zionist war criminal.” The incident took place prior to his court appearance at Southwark Crown Court. He argued that his actions were a form of political expression aimed at Parliament and denied that the paint used, which was washable, inflicted lasting damage.

During the trial, Outis, who has no fixed address, stated that conviction was not his primary concern. The court ultimately found him not guilty. A court official confirmed the verdict but did not provide additional details.

The case highlights ongoing tensions surrounding public monuments linked to historical figures and the use of such acts for political messaging.