MANAMA (Bahrain), Jan 7: Bahrain’s highest court on Monday upheld jail terms for 20 opposition figures — including eight sentenced to life — for alleged plots to “overthrow” the state in a decision likely to touch off more protests in the Gulf nation and bring renewed criticism from its western allies.

The group includes a rights activist who staged a 110-day hunger strike last year to protest the verdicts, which critics have denounced as part of attempts to crush an Arab Spring-inspired uprising began nearly two years ago in the strategic island kingdom.

Authorities in Bahrain — which is home to the US Navy’s 5th Fleet — accuse Iran of encouraging the protests as a way to undermine Bahrain’s pro-western leadership and gain a key foothold on the doorstep of rival Saudi Arabia. Tehran has sharply criticised Bahrain’s crackdowns, but denies it has any direct role with the opposition.—AP