Opposition activists in Bahrain are vowing to continue protests despite a court’s decision to uphold the prison terms of 13 top dissidents. The activists were sentenced by a military court in 2011, eight of them to life behind bars, after leading massive protests against Bahrain’s Sunni monarchy. Their terms were upheld by Bahrain’s top court on Monday, ending their legal options. Sheikh Ali Salman of the Bahraini opposition party Al Wefaq said protests will continue undeterred.

Sheikh Ali Salman: “Demonstrations will continue following this type of ruling in the courts. And this kind of ruling will further build the strength for the people who are seeking democracy. We hope that a political solution emerges that gives priority to democracy, human rights and freedom, that will benefit everyone in Bahrain.”

Bahrain is a key U.S. government ally, hosting the Navy’s Fifth Fleet.