whose sentences were commuted or who won parole because they behaved well while in jail and showed a penitent attitude, said the official of the Lhasa Intermediary People`s Court. Western human rights groups have accused China of using counter-revolutionary charges and the newer offence of "endangering state security" to impose harsh sentences on Tibetans who peacefully advocate independence for their Himalayan homeland. In the last decade, Tibet has been rocked by often violent demonstrations for independence from Beijing and for the return of the region`s exiled spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama. Many were led by monks and nuns, who have since been sentenced to long jail terms.