Former Nissan Chairman Gon Claims "No Grounds for Indictment" and Asserts Innocence... Strong Criticism of Japanese Judicial System

Held a press conference 9 days after entering Lebanon

Claims to be a victim of collusion between Nissan and the Japanese government

"Escaped seeking justice"... Did not disclose the method of escape

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] Carlos Ghosn, former chairman of Nissan Motor who fled to Lebanon ahead of a criminal trial in Japan, held a press conference on the 8th (local time) and strongly criticized the Japanese judicial system.

At the press conference held in Beirut, the capital of Lebanon, Ghosn claimed his innocence. He said, "There is no basis for prosecuting me for financial misconduct," and asked, "Why did the prosecution extend the investigation period and arrest me again?"

Ghosn continued, "The prosecution tried to destroy my soul for 14 months and prevented me from contacting my wife," explaining, "I was interrogated for eight hours a day without a lawyer present." He also criticized the Japanese judicial system, saying it "violates basic human rights principles."

Ghosn pointed out that if he were tried in Japan, there is a 99.4% chance he would be found guilty, noting that the conviction rate for foreigners in Japanese courts is much higher.

He claimed that he was a victim of collusion between Nissan and the Japanese government in the battle between Nissan and Renault, even comparing his arrest to Japan's 1941 attack on the U.S. fleet at Pearl Harbor.

He said, "Some of my Japanese friends thought the only way to remove Renault's influence over Nissan was to remove me."

In particular, he mentioned Nissan Motor, former president Hiroto Saikawa, Masakazu Toyoda, an outside director from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, and foreign executives from legal authorities, alleging that former president Saikawa and outside director Toyoda were connected with Japanese authorities. However, he did not disclose the names of Japanese government officials involved in his ousting.

Ghosn said that escaping from Japan was the most difficult decision of his life and added, "I had no other choice but to protect myself and my family."

He emphasized, "I am innocent of all charges," and said, "I escaped Japan because I want justice, and I am ready to stand trial anywhere if I can receive a fair trial."

Ghosn stated at the press conference that he would not disclose how he escaped from Japan to Lebanon.

Meanwhile, this is the first time Ghosn has appeared in public since secretly entering Lebanon on the 30th of last month, nine days ago.

He was born in Brazil but raised in Lebanon and holds citizenships of France, Lebanon, and Brazil. His wife, Carole Ghosn, is also from Lebanon.

Lebanese media reported that on the 9th, Lebanese prosecutors plan to summon Ghosn for investigation following an Interpol (International Criminal Police Organization) request for his arrest.

Albert Serhan, Lebanese Minister of Justice, stated, "We have received Interpol's request for Ghosn's arrest, and a lawful investigation will be conducted."

Ghosn was arrested by Japanese judicial authorities in November 2018 on charges including false statements in securities reports and special breach of trust. He was released on bail of 1 billion yen in March last year. After being re-arrested about a month later, he was released again in April last year on bail of 500 million yen following an additional bail request, and was effectively under house arrest awaiting trial.