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A Bahraini court has sentenced five protesters to 15 years in prison with two of the defendants in absentia.

The Bahraini regime accuses the men of being behind two bomb attacks including one during last year\'s Formula one race. The kingdom\'s state news agency says the protesters have admitted being behind the blasts. Activists, however, say they have pleaded not guilty. The tiny Persian Gulf monarchy is accused of widespread and excessive use of force against protesters, including confessions under torture. Bahrain has been rocked by anti-regime demonstrations since February 20-11, with the protesters calling for the government to step down.