Five opposition leaders in Guinea have been jailed by a court for organizing protests against a possible change of the country’s constitution.

Abdourahmane Sanoh, a former government minister who was credited with organizing the unauthorised demonstrations, received a one-year jail term for inciting civil disobedience, while four others received six-month sentences by the court in the capital, Conakry. Three others were acquitted.

The politicians were arrested by Guinean police in the days leading up to the protests.

Guinea witnessed protests last week in the capital, Conakry and other opposition strongholds, which escalated to violence after the protesters clashed with police.

Following the sentencing on Tuesday, the prosecution – which was seeking five-year sentences – said it would lodge an appeal, while the defence also said it would appeal the conviction.