Samir Ben Amor says the eight were accused of “belonging to a terror group” and “inciting terrorist acts.” Ben Amor says his clients denied the charges. Two were convicted in absentia. Others alleged they had been tortured to extract confessions. The lawyer learned of the verdict Saturday.

Rights groups such have criticized the North African nation's 2003 anti-terrorism law as too broad and imprecise.

Human Rights Watch says nearly all those convicted under the law were accused of planning to join jihadist groups abroad or encouraging others to do so, not having planned or committed attacks.