MANAMA (Bahrain), June 22: A Bahraini security court sentenced eight activists to life in prison on Wednesday, triggering the first major protests in months by hundreds of anti-government demonstrators demanding political freedoms and equal rights from the monarchy.

Witnesses said police fired tear gas at marchers trying to reach a central square in Bahrain's capital, Manama, that was once the hub of their campaign for greater freedoms, which began in February as the political tumult in the Arab world spread to the Gulf.

After the court ruling, crowds blocked roads with sand piles and called for the protest marches, which also took place in villages on the capital's outskirts. It was the first serious unrest after months of a security lockdown by military and police units in Bahrain, a key American military ally that is home of the US Navy's 5th Fleet.

The court handed down life sentences for eight activists and long jail terms for 13 others.

They were convicted of trying to overthrow Bahrain's 200-year-old monarchy and of having links to “a terrorist organisation abroad.”

“It's a political verdict,” said Nabeel Rajab, president of the Bahrain Centre for Human Rights. “All those convicted today were targeted because of their activities to bring about change and democracy in Bahrain.”

Angry crowds took their grievances back to the streets after the verdict despite the strengthened police presence around the Gulf island.

The official Bahrain News Agency said those sentenced to life included prominent political figures Hassan Mushaima and Abdul Jalil al-Singace and rights activist Abdulhadi al-Khawaja. Mushaima returned from self-exile in London earlier this year after Bahrain's leaders promised to wipe away old charges of opposing the state.

Pro-reform activist Ibrahim Sharif received five years in prison while other sentences ranged from two to 15 years. The sentences can be appealed in the same court within 15 days.

Sharif's wife, Farida Ghulam, said her husband cried out “Our people demand freedom” after the sentences were read.

Ghulam said al-Khawaja then shouted: “We will continue our struggle.” His daughter, Zainab, was dragged from court by female guards after she yelled “Allahu akbar,” or “God is great,” Ghulam said.—AP