A court in Sri Lanka has convicted 15 men for their involvement in the 2019 Easter bombings, which killed 267 people. Each man has been sentenced to at least 200 years in prison, meaning they will spend the rest of their lives behind bars.
The suicide bomb attacks on 21 April 2019 wounded nearly 600 people, targeting three churches and three hotels during Easter services and celebrations. The bombings were inspired by the Islamic State (IS) group and are considered among the deadliest attacks in Sri Lanka's history.
The verdict was delivered on Tuesday by a three-judge high court panel after a trial that lasted nearly five years. The judges also ordered the confiscation of the defendants' property.
Sentences varied based on involvement, with five defendants receiving 200 years each, five receiving 220 years, four receiving 240 years each, and one receiving 260 years. Nine other defendants were freed after the court found the charges against them were not proven.