THREE activists including two pensioners, the first to be charged with supporting Palestine Action after it was banned as a “terror” group, needed a hearing loop before entering not guilty pleas in court today.

The hearing was delayed as court staff rushed to find the aide for Jeremy Shippam, 72, of Yapton, West Sussex; Judit Murray, 71, of West Ewell, Surrey; and Fiona Maclean, 53, of Hackney, north-east London.

Westminster Magistrates’ Court heard that they allegedly held placards reading: “I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action.”

The trio were released on unconditional bail after denying charges of displaying an article in a public place, arousing reasonable suspicion that they are a supporter of a proscribed organisation, under section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000.

They are to appear at the court on March 16 for a three-day trial.