The U.S.-backed monarchy of Bahrain has sentenced eight leading opposition activists to life in prison for their alleged roles in protests earlier this year. The Bahrain state news agency says the activists include Shia political leader Hassan Mushaima, who returned from exile in February after the protests forced the Bahraini monarchy to issue royal pardons. A Bahraini court ruled that Mushaima and the seven others were guilty of plotting a coup. Thirteen other activists were given sentences of between two to five years. Bahrain is a key U.S. government ally in the Middle East, hosting the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet.