Six activists of the “Brotherhood for Democracy” have been convicted by a court in Vietnam on charges of “attempting to overthrow the government”.

Prominent human rights lawyer Nguyen Van Dai received the most severe penalty of 15 years in prison and five years of house arrest.  The Associated Press reported that the others received sentences ranging from 7 to 12 years.

The  “Brotherhood for Democracy” has been attempting to create a change the leadership of the Communist Party and build a multiparty system in Vietnam. Initially, the defendants were charged with producing anti-state propaganda, however, later they were accused of attempting to overthrow the government.