Egyptian women supporters of ousted President Mohammed Morsi stand inside the defendants' cage in a courtroom in Alexandria, Egypt, on Wednesday. Amira Mortada, El Shorouk Newspaper/AP

Nearly two dozen women and girls, some as young as 15, were handed heavy prison sentences Wednesday for demonstrating against a disputed protest law, as Egypt's interim prime minister defended the new measure that restricts public demonstrations.

The women, supporters of deposed former President Mohamed Morsi, received 11-year jail sentences for forming a human chain and passing out fliers earlier this month. Seven minors among the group were remanded to juvenile detention until they reach legal age of 18. The youngest in the group is 15-years-old.

Six men, described by prosecutors as Muslim Brotherhood leaders, were sentenced to 15-year terms, accused of being members of a "terrorist organization."

In a news conference Wednesday, Hazem el-Beblawi, the interim prime minister, defended the new law that requires citizens to apply for permission before taking part in demonstrations.

“The cabinet confirms that it will apply the law fully to show its support for the police in the face of terrorism," said el-Beblawi. "The law is subject to change but through the proper channels.”