The attacks on official buildings in Ajaccio injured seven people and led to the re-opening of talks on autonomy for the island between the French government and nationalist leaders.

Separatists have carried out low-key attacks in Corsica since the 1970s and leaders warned that heavy prison sentences for the bombings could cause a fresh outbreak of violence.

The court sentenced prime suspect Joseph Peraldi, who was accused of masterminding the attacks, to 15 years in prison. All were members or sympathizers of the legal Corsica Viva movement.

Corsicans rejected an offer by Paris of limited autonomy in a referendum in July 2003.

The Japan Times Weekly: April 30, 2005
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