The initial three defendants charged in the UK for carrying support for the banned organization the activist network have pleaded not guilty in accordance with counter-terror laws.
Jeremy Shippam, aged 72, from West Sussex, Judit Murray, 71, residing in Surrey, and Fiona Maclean, 53, from Hackney will face a hearing in March next year accused of carrying signs that read, “I stand against genocide, I stand with Palestine Action”.
Appearing in court at Westminster magistrates court recently, each individual rejected equivalent allegations of exhibiting a sign in a public place generating grounds for doubt suggesting they are supporters of a banned entity, contrary to section 13 (1) of the Terrorism Act 2000.
The three individuals, present in court in front of the presiding judge, were allowed to remain seated away from the defendant's box as two are with auditory challenges and hearing loops could not be found at that time.
Since the ban on Palestine Action took force in early July, over a hundred individuals in England and Wales were indicted over displays of backing toward the organization, out of more than 1,600 people detained.
The three in court on Tuesday were taken into custody at a demonstration in Parliament Square when the ban took effect. If convicted, they may receive a maximum sentence half a year imprisonment and/or a fine should the court rule against them. They were released temporary freedom with restrictions until 16 March.
Activists gathered near the courthouse shouting pro-Palestine slogans, waving flags and presenting messages.
A planned rally in Parliament Square against the ban is planned on October 4th, wrapping up multiple days of protests beginning at a political gathering within the city.
