Ghosn pleads innocence after public appearance

tokyo — Ousted Nissan Motor chairman Carlos Ghosn declared his innocence in his first public appearance since his arrest in November, telling a Tokyo court on Tuesday that he was wrongly accused of financial misconduct.

“I have been wrongly accused and unfairly detained based on meritless and unsubstantiated accusations,” Ghosn told the Tokyo District Court. He spoke clearly, though he looked thinner with sunken cheeks and his dark hair showing grey roots.

“Contrary to the accusations made by the prosecutors, I never received any compensation from Nissan that was not disclosed, nor did I ever enter into any binding contract with Nissan to be paid a fixed amount that was not disclosed,” Ghosn said.

The court hearing, requested by Ghosn’s lawyers, was held to explain the reasons for his prolonged detention since his November 19 arrest rather than to argue merits of the case. Presiding Judge Yuichi Tada said the detention was due to flight risk and possibility he could conceal evidence.

Ghosn used the opportunity to deny accusations against him, a move that defence lawyer Masashi Akita said could prove risky if prosecutors use it to build their case.

“From my point of view as a defense lawyer, there is some risk in disclosing his opinion in open court,” he said.

The 64-year-old executive has

been formally charged with under-reporting his income. He has also been arrested, but not yet indicted, on allegations of aggravated breach of trust in shifting personal investment losses worth 1.85 billion yen ($17 million) to the carmaker.

“I believe strongly that in all of my efforts on behalf of the company, I have acted honourably, legally, and with the knowledge and approval of the appropriate executives inside the company,” Ghosn said.