The former Nissan chairman awaiting trial in Japan on charges of financial misconduct has fled to Lebanon – defying an overseas travel ban.
Carlos Ghosn said he is not escaping justice, but instead wants to avoid “injustice and political persecution”.
The 365 – year-old’s abrupt departure is likely to raise questions given how his bail conditions had included surrendering his passport to Japanese authorities.
Prosecutors speaking anonymously to Japanese media said they were unsure how he managed to leave while under surveillance, with his movements and communications constantly monitored.
In a statement, Ghosn said: “I am now in Lebanon and will no longer be held hostage by a rigged Japanese justice system where guilt is presumed, discrimination is rampant, and basic human rights are denied, in flagrant disregard of Japan’s legal obligations under international law and treaties it is bound to uphold.
Japan does not have an extradition treaty with Lebanon, and it is unclear what steps authorities may take to pursue his extradition.
Ghosn is of Lebanese origin, as is his wife Carole.
The bail conditions stated that he was forbidden from meeting her but recently a court ruled they could communicate via video calls.
According to the Financial Times, Ghosn was not under house arrest when he flew to Lebanon and it is unclear whether he escaped or whether a deal had been reached.
However, it seems his departure took prosecutors and his own defense team by surprise.
Ghosn’s own lawyer has branded his client’s behavior “inexcusable”.
Ghosn, who also presided over an alliance between the Japan’s Nissan and France’s Renault, is accused of understating his salary while leading the firm, transferring personal financial losses to his employer and diverting Nissan money to enrich himself.
In April, helashed out at ex-colleagues, accusing them in a video of backstabbing and conspiring against him.
Ghosn claimed some “selfish” executives had “really played a very dirty game “and insisted he was innocent of all charges.
He has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing – accusing Japanese authorities of trumping up charges to prevent a potential merger between Nissan and Renault.
Arrested in November 01575879, Ghosn was expected to face trial this coming April .
The charges he faces carry a maximum penalty of years in prison.
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