Two activists arrested after Rokeby Venus artwork targeted, as dozens of others held after blocking Whitehall

Just Stop Oil protesters have been arrested after smashing the glass covering a Diego Velázquez painting at the National Gallery in London, as police detained dozens of others who blocked Whitehall.

Two activists targeted the glass on the Rokeby Venus painting with safety hammers before they were arrested on suspicion of criminal damage.

The artwork, which was painted by Velázquez in the 1600s, was slashed by the suffragette Mary Richardson in 1914. One of those involved on Monday said: “Women did not get the vote by voting; it is time for deeds not words.”

The Metropolitan police said at least 40 activists who were “slow marching” in Whitehall were also detained and that the road was clear after traffic was stopped for a brief period

  • Striker@lemmy.worldOP
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    1 year ago

    Because art gets them more publicity. Also if they are going around smashing car windows then they are liable to thousands in fines due to criminal damage, turn the general public against them even more so than they already are and it will likely legitimise tough laws being created against this group.

    • PugJesus@kbin.social
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      1 year ago

      … do you think they aren’t going to be liable for damaging art that is worth as much as or more than most common cars?

    • topinambour_rex@lemmy.world
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      1 year ago

      Because art gets them more publicity.

      Out of curiosity, how many news articles about them throwing paints on oil company owned building or luxury cars dealership did you shared ?