A Bahrain sentenced eight people to prison terms of up to 15 years Sunday, May 27, after they were accused of plotting with suspected Iranian agents to topple the Gulf kingdom's ruling system, a defense lawyer said, the Associated Press reported.

The convictions - which include three activists put on trial in absentia - reflect mounting claims by Gulf Arab states that Iran has links to the Shiite-led uprising against Bahrain's Sunni dynasty.

The group was accused of plotting with a "foreign country" to bring down Bahrain's Western-allied monarchy. They also were suspected of planning possible attacks on high-profile targets such as the Interior Ministry headquarters and the causeway connecting Bahrain with Saudi Arabia.

They denied the charges.

At least 50 people have died in unrest since Bahrain's uprising began.