Former Nissan chairman Carlos Ghosn denied bail by Tokyo court
The Tokyo District Court today denied Carlos Ghosn’s request for bail as the former Nissan chairman faces a lengthy wait behind bars for his trial.
Lawyers for Ghosn, who was indicted on two fresh charges of financial misconduct last week, are likely to appeal the decision, as the executive may have to wait up to six months for a trial.
Read more: Ex-Nissan chairman Carlos Ghosn claims innocence in Tokyo court appearance
Prosecutors last week charged Ghosn for aggravated breach of trust relating to the transferral of personal losses to Nissan and for underreporting his salary between 2015 and 2018. In a court appearance Ghosn denied the charges against him.
Following the indictment Ghosn’s lawyer, Motonari Otsuru, said his team would apply for bail, but admitted it was unlikely to be granted.
The decision comes two days after the car boss’s wife, Carle Ghosn, called on US charity Human Rights Watch to draw attention to his “harsh treatment” in Japanese jail, Reuters reported.
Japan’s legal system has come under increased scrutiny during the scandal due to the lengthy periods of detention without charge.
The scandal has also shaken the foundations of the alliance between car manufacturers Renault, Nissan and Mitsubishi.
While Nissan and Mitsubishi have ousted Ghosn from his executive positions, Renault has kept him as chairman and chief executive.
The French government, which holds a 15 per cent stake in Renault, yesterday supported the firm’s decision not to dismiss Ghosn.
Read more: Nissan US boss Jose Munoz resigns amid financial misconduct investigation
Meanwhile, Nissan has expanded its investigation into the disgraced executive, with former US boss Jose Munoz resigning over the scandal.
Nissan chief executive Hiroto Saikawa told French media yesterday the company’s findings have not been fully shared with Renault, and insisted the French car manufacturer will back its decision to oust Ghosn when the evidence emerges.