Albania’s Special Court Against Corruption and Organized Crime (GJKKO) on Thursday delivered its verdict against a group of defendants accused of participating in a terrorist organization and taking part in armed conflicts in a foreign state.

The defendants — Shyqyri Kaca, Saimir Kaca, Enes Kaca, Ditar Bala, Bajram Sulaj, Fatbardh Taushani, Ali Balliu, Arber Stafasani, Usejd Stafasani, Etion Zani, Nertil Hysenllari, Ledjo Mehmeti, Erion Luto, and Erdet Korro — were found guilty of joining ISIS and participating in the Syrian conflict.

Presiding Judge Irena Gjoka sentenced the defendants to prison terms ranging from seven to ten years. According to the court’s ruling, the men responded to calls from ISIS and traveled to Syria to support the terrorist organization.

All of the defendants were tried in absentia, as none were present during the proceedings. Their legal representation was provided by court-appointed defense attorneys during the first-instance trial.

Family members who testified during the proceedings claimed that several of the defendants had been killed in armed clashes in Syria. However, the court did not accept those claims as sufficient grounds to halt or dismiss the proceedings.

Investigations conducted by Albania’s Special Anti-Corruption Structure (SPAK) found that between 2013 and 2015, several Albanian citizens traveled from Albania to Syria and joined ISIS. Prosecutors said that initially recruited men traveled to the conflict zone, while later their families, including wives and children, joined them.

Based on extensive evidence and investigative materials, SPAK concluded that some of the defendants actively participated in combat operations in support of ISIS, served as fighters within the organization, and received various forms of financial compensation for their activities.

The ruling marks one of the latest judicial actions by Albanian authorities targeting individuals accused of involvement with foreign terrorist organizations and participation in conflicts linked to extremist groups in the Middle East.