Two prominent Vietnamese musicians have been given prison sentences for spreading songs that are critical of the government.

A court in Ho Chi Minh City sentenced Vo Minh Tri, known as Viet Khang, to four years and Tran Vu Anh Binh to six years in jail following a brief hearing Tuesday.

A lawyer for the men said they were also ordered to serve two years of house arrest once released.

The men, who were detained in late 2011, wrote songs condemning Vietnam's crackdown on anti-China activists. They also criticized the imprisonment of dissidents.

Human rights groups have condemned the charges, saying they are part of a widening campaign against those expressing free speech.

Last month, three popular bloggers were handed sentences ranging from four to 12 years for spreading “propaganda against the state.”