An Ethiopian court has sentenced 35 opposition leaders and activists to life in prison for allegedly inciting violence and attempting to overthrow the government.
The three-judge High Court panel Monday sentenced another eight defendants to between one and 18 years in prison.
Prosecutors had called for the death penalty against the defendants, who were convicted last month on charges that included "outrages against the constitution." Several were convicted of inciting an armed rebellion.
The charges were connected to protests against the 2005 elections. Opposition groups say the vote was rigged to keep Prime Minister Meles Zenawi in power.
Ethiopian security forces used force to stop the protests, killing at least 193 people.
Five of the people sentenced Monday were tried and convicted in absentia.
Human rights groups have condemned the trial as a sham.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.
