The Tokyo High Court on Tuesday upheld a 20-year prison term for former militant Yukiko Ekita for attempted murder and violation of the explosives law in a series of bombings targeting large companies in the 1970s.

In upholding the Tokyo District Court's January 2002 ruling, the high court rejected appeals by both Ekita, 53, and prosecutors, who had been seeking a life term.

She was a member of Daichi no Kiba (Fang of the Earth), one of three divisions of a militant group called Higashi Ajia Hannichi Buso Sensen (East Asia Anti-Japan Armed Front).

Presiding Judge Toshio Yamada said the first ruling was appropriate because the crimes were systematic and carefully planned, but Ekita had a subordinate role and is now repentant.

Ekita's lawyers argued the bombings were meant to destroy buildings, not kill people. The court dismissed this assertion, saying there was intention to kill through willful negligence.

According to the court, Ekita and other members of the militant group set off time bombs at five buildings belonging to large companies, including Mitsui & Co. and Taisei Corp., injuring 20 people.

Ekita's trial began in 1975 but was suspended when she was released from detention in 1977 in an extralegal measure.