Carlos Ghosn's Agent Acknowledges 'Illegal Escape' and Says "Cannot Expect Fair Trial in Japan"

"Lebanon is a country of women... Also favorable to Gon"
Regarding the possibility of extraditing Shin from Japan, 'Negative'

Carlos Ghosn, the former Nissan Motor chairman who was indicted on charges of breach of trust and embezzlement and fled to Lebanon, stated in a phone interview with Nihon Keizai Shimbun on the 3rd (local time) that the reason for his illegal departure was due to a lack of trust in the Japanese government. The photo shows former chairman Ghosn attending a media conference held in Paris, France, on October 6, 2017. [Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Minyoung Cha] The reason why the representative of former Nissan Motor Chairman Carlos Ghosn, who was indicted in Japan on charges of embezzlement and breach of trust and fled to Lebanon, carried out an illegal departure was revealed to be due to a lack of trust in the Japanese judiciary.

Fran?ois Zimeray, the lawyer representing Ghosn in France, said in a phone interview with the Nihon Keizai Shimbun on the 3rd (local time) that the reason Ghosn fled was "because he completely lost trust that he would receive a fair trial."

Regarding the Japanese judicial system, he criticized, "I respect Japan, but it is a system that does not fit a democratic country," adding, "In France, even terrorists can have a lawyer present during investigations, but in Japan, this is impossible."

Zimeray acknowledged the criticism that Ghosn's escape was illegal, saying, "Yes," but also mentioned, "However, we feel that the judges and prosecutors (in Japan) are not upholding the legitimacy of the law."

As for why Ghosn, who holds three nationalities?Brazilian, French, and Lebanese?chose to go to Lebanon, he cited Ghosn's wife. It is the country where Ghosn's wife lives, and both the citizens and authorities show a supportive and favorable attitude toward Ghosn.

In fact, Ghosn spent his childhood in Lebanon and was treated as a hero locally due to his large investments and support for education there. In 2017, a postage stamp featuring Ghosn as a model was even issued in Lebanon.

Zimeray denied the possibility that France or Lebanon would extradite Ghosn to Japan. He predicted, "(Neither) France nor Lebanon will extradite (Ghosn's custody to Japan)."

Regarding the possibility of Ghosn standing trial in Lebanon or France, he responded, "He wants to answer the allegations and prove his innocence. However, it is premature to say when and where the trial will take place."

However, Albert Serhan, Lebanon's Minister of Justice, said in an interview with Japan's Yomiuri Shimbun on the 3rd, "(Lebanon) does not have an extradition treaty with Japan," and added, "(Lebanese) prosecutors will start an investigation and take necessary legal actions."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.