The sentencing of seven students and a beautician for forming a discussion group and posting their writings on a Web site calling for political reform is "harsh," the U.S. State Department said Friday.

Earlier this week, the activists were sentenced to prison terms of between five and seven years for publishing pro-democracy articles on the Internet after being tried before the Supreme State Security Court.

"The unjust sentences reflect the Syrian regime's contempt for fundamental human rights, including freedom of expression and association. They also reflect a legal system devoid of legitimate standards," said State's spokesman Sean McCormack.