Nissan's former Chairman Carlos Ghosn, who had been released on bail by a Tokyo court said from Lebanon he was not fleeing justice but instead left Japan to avoid injustice and political persecution over financial misconduct allegations during his tenure with the leading automaker.
According to his bail terms, Ghosn, who was asked to surrender his passport was not allowed to travel overseas. He was also allowed to stay in touch with his wife Carole through video calls.
Ghosn confirmed he fled to Lebanon, saying he wouldn't be “held hostage” by a “rigged” justice system. It raised questions about how one of the world's most-recognised executives escaped Japan months before his trial.
His representatives, who disclosed his location did not describe how he left Japan, where he had been under surveillance. He promised to talk to reporters next week. Prosecutors who spoke anonymously maintained that they did not know how Ghosn left the country.
Ghosn, who is of Lebanese origin and holds French, Lebanese and Brazilian passports, was arrested in November 2018 and was expected to face trial in April 2020. Ghosn's arrest on financial misconduct charges last year may have led to his dramatic fall from grace in Japan. But Lebanon stands with Ghosn. Billboards saying, “We are all Carlos Ghosn” were erected in his support. At one point. He has also been featured on a postage stamp.
Ghosn faces four charges, including hiding income and enriching himself through payments to dealerships in the Middle East. Nissan sacked him as chairman saying internal investigations revealed misconduct ranging from understating his salary while he was its chief executive, and transferring $5 million of Nissan funds to an account in which he had an interest.
Since Japan does not have an extradition treaty with Lebanon, it is not what steps the authorities will take next.
The dramatic twist in the year-old saga that has shaken the global auto industry, jeopardised the alliance of Nissan Motor Co Ltd and top shareholder Renault SA has cast a harsh light on Japan's judicial system.
The system allows suspects to be detained for long periods and prohibits defence lawyers from being present during interrogations that can last eight hours a day. The system, according to Tokyo officials, is not inhumane and say that Ghosn has been treated like any other suspect.
