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RABAT, Morocco (AP) — A human rights lawyer says 11 activists arrested during a labor protest for chanting anti-monarchy slogans have been convicted of illegally demonstrating and sentenced to up to a year in prison.
Mohammed Sadkou said Thursday's verdict by a Casablanca court against the 11 young activists from the pro-democracy movement called "February 20" were charged with attacking police and demonstrating without a permit.
On April 6, thousands demonstrated against the government's austerity program. They were joined by the activists who chanted slogans against corruption and Morocco's monarchy.
Five of the demonstrators received a year in prison, four six months, while the remaining two were just fined $600 and given suspended sentences.
The February 20 movement staged large demonstrations calling for greater democracy in 2011 but has since seen its support wane.
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