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The earliest three defendants prosecuted within Britain for displaying backing for the prohibited group the pro-Palestinian collective maintained not guilty pursuant to counter-terror laws.

Jeremy Shippam, 72, of Yapton, West Sussex, Judit Murray, 71, of West Ewell, Surrey, and Fiona Maclean, 53, from Hackney are scheduled for court proceedings in March next year accused of carrying banners that read, “I oppose genocide, I back the organization”.

Standing before the judge in a central London court on Tuesday, all defendants rejected the same charge of presenting a placard where the public could see that aroused reasonable suspicion that they are supporters of an outlawed group, under UK terror laws.

The defendants, standing in front of the presiding judge, were allowed to sit outside the dock as two are with auditory challenges and hearing loops were not accessible in the courtroom.

After the outlawing on Palestine Action came into effect this summer, more than a hundred persons within the UK were indicted for demonstrating solidarity on behalf of the movement, from among a total exceeding 1,600 persons detained.

The accused trio appearing before the magistrate were taken into custody at a demonstration in central London the very day restrictions were imposed. They could face a maximum sentence half a year imprisonment or a financial penalty should the court rule against them. They were released release under terms until a date in March.

Demonstrators assembled near the courthouse shouting pro-Palestine slogans, brandishing banners and presenting messages.

The next protest in Parliament Square challenging the outlawing is set in early October, concluding a series of scheduled events beginning at a major party meeting within the city.