Hong Kong (CNN) A prominent group of Hong Kong pro-democracy activists were handed sentences of up to 16 months in prison on Wednesday for their role in the "umbrella movement" rallies in 2014.

A district court judge sentenced law professor Benny Tai, 54, retired sociology professor Chan Kin-man, 60, and retired pastor Chu Yiu-ming, 75, to 16 months each for a range of public nuisance offenses. Chu's sentence was suspended for two years meaning that he is unlikely to serve time in prison. Tai and Chan will begin their sentences immediately.

The men were founders of "Occupy Central with Love and Peace," a non-violent social movement that demanded free and open elections in the semi-autonomous Chinese enclave.

They were among nine pro-democracy campaigners convicted over their involvement in ensuing demonstrations that saw more than 100,000 protestors immobilize the city's financial district for 79-days. The demonstrations became known as the "umbrella movement" owing to protesters' use of bright umbrellas to shield themselves from tear gas fired by police.

Activist Raphael Wong and lawmaker Shiu Ka-chun were both sentenced to eight months. While activist Chung Yiu-wa and former lawmaker Lee Wing-tat were both sentenced to eight months, suspended for two years. Tommy Cheung Sau-yin was given a community service order of 200 hours.

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