Ousted CEO and man-on-the-run, Carlos Ghosn, has appeared before the world’s media to speak out in regard to how he was treated by Japanese authorities when he was remanded into their custody.
The former head of the Nissan, Renault and Mitsubishi alliance said in an hour-long monologue, “I was brutally taken from my world as I knew it. Ripped from my family, my friends, my communities, from Renault, Nissan and Mitsubishi and 450,000 woman and man who comprise those companies. I had not experienced a moment of freedom since November 19th, 2018. It is impossible to express the depth of that deprivation and my profound appreciation to once again be united with my family and loved ones.”
Ghosn goes on say that he was “seemingly held indefinitely in solitary confinement after several failed attempts at bail. I had just spent the Christmas and New Year’s holiday alone and in confinement and I haven’t spoken to or seen my family in six weeks. My only contact with them were letters shown to me by lawyers through a looking glass.” Ghosn goes on recant the account of being interrogated up to 8 hours a day without any lawyers present. He said there was no end in sight. He claims to have been held for around 130 days. Thereafter he was put under house arrest.
The former CEO seems to believe there was a massive conspiracy afoot and proceeded to level accusations involving “a handful of unscrupulous, vindictive individuals at Nissan and Latham & Watkins law firm with support from the Tokyo prosecutor’s office”. Ghosn went on to say, “I welcome the truth and to have my name vindicated and my reputation restored. I did not escape justice. I fled injustice and persecution, political persecution.” He goes on to claim that false information was leaked in order to construct a case against him.
According to Ghosn, “I have proofs, I have facts and I hope I will have witnesses also of people talking about the collaboration between some Nissan people, the prosecutors and some members of the administration into the preparation of my arrest.”
In regard to how and where he will disclose the evidence, the former executive said, “There will be probably a trial somewhere and I will share” the documents in the trial. “I feel in Lebanon that at least I can defend myself. That’s what I want. So, if I can defend myself then I can have fair justice,” Ghosn said.
Ghosn did not confirm or answer queries from journalists regarding his escape. However according to the Japan Times, Ghosn said “I never said my departure from Japan is legal”. He also answered, “no comment” when asked if any Americans were involved in his escape as the media had been hinting at the possibility of former United States Special Forces personnel being involved.
At press time, a warrant for Ghosn’s wife, Carole, has been issued by Japanese authorities who supposedly faces perjury allegations. However, the couple holds Lebanese citizenship and are unlikely to be extradited to Japan.
Watch this space as we bring you more updates as the case unfolds.
