Ghosn released on US$9 million bail
I am innocent and totally committed to vigorously defending myself in a fair trial against these meritless and unsubstantiated accusations.
TOKYO: Former Nissan chief Carlos Ghosn posted bail of 1 billion yen (US$9 million) in cash yesterday, paving the way for his release from a Tokyo detention centre after more than three months in custody.
The auto tycoon is expected to walk out of the custody centre in northern Toyko after the court rejected a last-ditch appeal from prosecutors to block his release.
Dozens of journalists gathered outside the jail in northern Tokyo from dawn yesterday, but prosecutors could still prevent the release by filing new allegations against Ghosn, who already faces three charges of financial misconduct.
Overnight, he once again proclaimed his innocence of the charges, which include claims he under-reported his salary and sought to shift personal losses to Nissan’s books.
“I am innocent and totally committed to vigorously defending myself in a fair trial against these meritless and unsubstantiated accusations,” the 64-year-old said in a statement.
Members of Ghosn’s family were also seen entering the building prior to an expected release.
The surprise court ruling granting Ghosn bail came after two unsuccessful previous attempts to win release and was the latest twist in a case that has gripped Japan and the business world since the auto industry titan’s Nov 19 arrest.
Ghosn shook up his legal team last month, hiring renowned defence attorney Junichiro Hironaka, who quickly filed a new bail request.
The court had previously justified Ghosn’s ongoing detention, saying he posed a flight risk and could seek to destroy evidence, so Hironaka’s bail request offered restrictions intended to win the court’s
Carlos Ghosn, Former Nissan chief
trust.
The bail terms prevent Ghosn from leaving Japan and include other measures restricting his communications.
Kyodo news agency said the measures will restrict Ghosn’s cell phone use and allow him to access a computer only in his lawyer’s office during daytime hours on weekdays.
He will also be banned from contacting Nissan executives and other people with links to the allegations against him, the agency reported.
But Kyodo said Ghosn could still attend board meetings at Nissan, where he remains a director, if the court gives approval.
His former right-hand man Greg Kelly, who was also detained Nov 19 on allegations he helped underreport the tycoon’s compensation, was freed on bail of 70 million yen (US$635,000) on Christmas Day.—AFP