Japan 'Boiling' at Gon Press Conference... "Claims One-Sided and Unconvincing" (Summary)

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] After Carlos Ghosn, former chairman of Nissan Motor, fled to Lebanon ahead of his criminal trial in Japan and criticized the Japanese judicial system in his first press conference, the Japanese government has actively rebutted his claims. They strongly condemned his actions, stating that justifying his escape cannot be overlooked and that his assertions are one-sided and lack persuasiveness.

According to NHK and other sources on the 9th, Masako Mori, Japan’s Minister of Justice, said at a morning press conference regarding Ghosn’s criticism of Japan’s judicial system, "The Japanese prosecution operates under a system where indictments are made only when there is a high likelihood of a guilty verdict based on accurate evidence," adding, "Judges make decisions from a neutral and impartial standpoint."

She continued, "Most of Ghosn’s criticisms are abstract and unsupported by evidence, making them inappropriate," and further criticized, "The defendant Ghosn must stand trial under the Japanese judicial system where he conducted his economic activities, present evidence, and prove his case concretely."

Minister Mori held two press conferences on the same day. This was in response to Ghosn’s earlier press conference on the 8th (local time) in Beirut, the capital of Lebanon, where he condemned the Japanese judicial authorities and government that indicted him. He claimed that the Japanese prosecution’s indictment was baseless and criticized 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 basic human rights principles."

In response, Minister Mori stated at the first press conference early that morning, "The defendant Ghosn’s illegal departure from the country is an act that cannot be tolerated under any country’s system," and pointed out, "To justify that by deliberately spreading false information about our country’s legal system and its operation both domestically and internationally is absolutely unacceptable."

Minister Mori emphasized, "Japan’s judicial system has a system for appealing detention, and if there is no risk of evidence tampering, visits with the defendant’s spouse are allowed," adding, "In all criminal cases, defendants are guaranteed the right to a fair trial in a public court." She further urged Ghosn, "If he has claims, I strongly hope he will receive a fair judgment from the court under our country’s fair criminal justice system."

The Japanese government has not hidden its displeasure at Ghosn’s repeated criticisms of the judicial system. Yoshihide Suga, Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary, said at a regular briefing that day, "The defendant Ghosn’s claims are one-sided and completely unconvincing," emphasizing, "Our country’s criminal justice system guarantees individuals’ basic human rights while operating appropriate procedures to uncover the truth of the matter." He added, "Regarding the issue of extradition, it is a matter for the Lebanese government’s judgment, so the Japanese government has no comment," but said, "However, the government will continue to cooperate with related countries and international organizations to ensure that criminal procedures are properly conducted and will take all possible measures."

Meanwhile, Takahiro Saito, Deputy Chief Prosecutor of the Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office, which investigated Ghosn’s corruption allegations, 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 explore all possible means in cooperation with related agencies to ensure that the defendant Ghosn stands trial in our country." Following Ghosn’s escape, the Japanese government has decided to strengthen exit inspections, including strict cargo checks on private aircraft, to prevent recurrence.

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