Three locals in the Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Garze in Sichuan Province were given prison sentences ranging from 3 to 10 years by a Chinese court Tuesday for spying for overseas organizations or being engaged in splitist activities.

Lubo and Jacmyang Goinqen, following directions from overseas sources, took pictures and made discs and provided them to overseas organizations via Lutog, the Intermediate Court of the Garze was told.

"Some contents leak intelligence that endangers national security and interest," the court said in a verdict Tuesday.

The three people, all residents of Garze's Litang County, pleaded guilty as charged.

Lubo and Jacmyang Goinqen were also found to have plotted and spread secessionist flysheets, which was deemed to have constituted the crime of instigating the separation of the country.

Lubo, the culprit, was sentenced to 10 years of imprisonment, with another five years deprived of political rights after serving the prison term.

Jacmyang Goinqen was given nine years with four years' additional deprivation of political rights.

Lutog was given three years in prison with two years' deprivation of political rights, because he voluntarily surrendered his criminal activities to the judiciary, the court verdict said.

(Xinhua News Agency November 20, 2007)