A defense lawyer in Burma says six labor activists have been sentenced to up to 28 years in prison for organizing a seminar at a U.S. Embassy center in Rangoon earlier this year.

The lawyer, Aung Thein, said Saturday all six were found guilty of sedition.

The arrests were not related to ongoing demonstrations in Burma over increased fuel prices.

Burmese protesters attempt a march through Hledan township before being detained by the authorities, 28 Aug 2007

U.N. officials say reports indicate that more than 150 people have been arrested since citizens began protesting a sharp increase in fuel prices on August 19.

Anti-government protests have been occurring almost daily in Burma in recent weeks.

Authorities fired guns into the air to break up a march by monks in the central town of Pakokku Wednesday. Witnesses said the authorities then beat the protesters and their supporters. On Thursday, several monks retaliated, holding a group of officials hostage for several hours and setting fire to their cars.

Some information for this report was provided by AP and Reuters.