MANAMA, Bahrain: Bahrain says it has charged seven police lieutenants with alleged abuses against suspected anti-government protesters, including using torture to obtain confessions that were later thrown out in court.

The allegations mark the most sweeping action so far against security forces in Bahrain's 19-month-old unrest between the Sunni-led ruling system and protesters from the Gulf nation's Shiite majority seeking a greater political voice.

A government statement Monday says two of the officers will face the most serious allegations of extracting the forced confessions. The others face lesser charges.

A hearing is set for Oct. 1.

At least 50 people have been killed in the uprising in the strategic kingdom, the base for the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet.