At Former Chairman Gon’s Press Conference... Japanese Minister of Justice Says "Cannot Overlook Justification of Escape"

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] The Japanese government strongly condemned the first press conference of former Nissan Motor Chairman Carlos Ghosn, who fled to Lebanon ahead of his criminal trial, stating that "acts justifying his escape cannot be overlooked."

According to NHK and other sources on the 9th, Masako Mori, Japan's Minister of Justice, issued a statement early that morning after Ghosn's press conference ended, saying, "Mr. Ghosn's illegal departure from the country is an act that cannot be tolerated under any country's system," and pointed out, "Deliberately spreading false information domestically and internationally to justify this regarding our country's legal system and its operation is absolutely unacceptable."

Earlier, on the 8th (local time), Ghosn held a press conference in Beirut, the capital of Lebanon, criticizing the Japanese prosecutors who indicted him, claiming there was no basis for the indictment and condemning the extension of the investigation period and his re-arrest. He also criticized Japan's judicial system, saying, "I was interrogated for eight hours a day without a lawyer present," and that it "violates the basic principles of human rights."

Minister Mori stated, "Japan's judicial system has an appeal system against detention, and if there is no concern about evidence tampering, visits with one's spouse are allowed," emphasizing, "In all criminal cases, the defendant is guaranteed the right to a fair trial in an open court." She added, "If Mr. Ghosn has any claims, I strongly hope he will receive a fair judgment from the court under our country's fair criminal justice system."

Takahiro Saito, Deputy Chief Prosecutor of the Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office, which investigated Ghosn's corruption charges, also posted a statement on the Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office website saying, "These claims unfairly disparage our country's criminal justice system and are absolutely unacceptable." Deputy Chief Prosecutor Saito emphasized, "We will cooperate with related agencies and take all possible measures to ensure that Mr. Ghosn stands trial in our country." Following Ghosn's escape, the Japanese government decided to strengthen exit inspections, including strict cargo checks on private planes, to prevent recurrence.