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MANAMA, Bahrain (AP) -- Bahrain's military prosecutor accused 21 political activists Sunday of seeking to overthrow the ruling monarchy with the help of a foreign terrorist group - an apparent reference to Iranian-backed militants - in a widening crackdown on a pro-reform uprising by the island nation's Shiite majority.

The charges are part of fast-moving efforts by Bahrain's authorities to prosecute opposition leaders and others after months of clashes and protests in the strategic kingdom, which is home to the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet. Late last month, a special security court set up under martial law sentenced four people to death for killing two policemen in the unrest.

The latest cases were tried by the same court, according to the state-run Bahrain News Agency. Fourteen members of the group are in custody, including several prominent Shiite political figures. The others are charged in absentia.