The highest court in Bahrain on Monday upheld the sentences of 13 leaders of the 2011 uprising.

The sentences, ranging from five years to life, were initially passed by a military court in June 2011, and later upheld by a civilian court in September last year.

All together twenty uprising leaders were sentenced, but seven are in hiding, leaving the remaining 13 to file appeals.

Speaking to Reuters, one of the defence lawyers, Mohammad al-Jishi said: "This verdict is final. No more appeals are possible. It is the last stage of litigation," and the country's main opposition group condemned the decision, stating, "These judgments confirmed the rulings issued before by the military court which were condemned by the whole world. I think it is accurate to call these rulings political persecution."

The spokesperson for the US State Department, Victoria Nuland, said:

"We regret today's decision,"

 "We're concerned that this decision further restricts freedom of expression and compromises the atmosphere within Bahrain for reconciliation."

"We call on the government of Bahrain to investigate all reports of torture, including those made by the defendants in this case, as it has pledged to do, and to hold accountable any who are found responsible,"

UK Minister Alistair Burt said:

"At the time these individuals were sentenced, reports which were acknowledged by the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry suggested that some had been abused in detention, denied access to legal counsel and were coerced into confessing,"

"I call on the government of Bahrain to meet all its human rights obligations and guarantee its citizens the fundamental liberties to which they are entitled."