Activist acquitted of defacing Winston Churchill statue

A jury at Southwark Crown Court has acquitted activist Olax Outis, also known as Caspar San Giorgi, of criminal damage charges related to the defacement of the Winston Churchill statue in London’s Parliament Square.

On February 27, 2026, Outis used red spray paint to write slogans such as ‘Stop the Genocide’ and ‘Free Palestine’ on the monument. Prosecutors alleged the damage exceeded £7,000, noting that Outis wore a boiler suit endorsing the group Palestine Action during the act.

During the trial, Outis argued that his actions were a form of protest against British policies regarding Gaza and intended to send a message to Parliament. He disputed the criminal nature of the act, contending that the paint used was washable and did not cause permanent damage to the statue.