A Taiwanese court on Friday sentenced 13 military officials to up to eight months in prison over the abuse of a young conscript, whose death last year triggered massive protests.

The verdict, issued by the Taoyuan District Court, also exonerated five officials of any charges in the death of 24-year-old Corporal Hung Chung-chiu.

Hung died of multiple organ failure on July 4 after being ordered to perform strenuous exercises as punishment for his breach of a security rule. His death, just two days before the end of his military service, has sparked anger over military abuse in Taiwan.

Hung's family criticized the verdict for being too lenient, saying they would appeal the case.