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Japanese gov't, prosecutors, Nissan call Ghosn's accusations baseless

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I am lost for words, baseless, then was Carlos arrested ???. Anyone has that much time to waste ???.

11 ( +18 / -7 )

"prosecutors disclosed over 1,000 pieces of evidence to the defense team, the senior prosecutor said, while claiming Ghosn fled because he considered the evidence irrefutable."

Why didn't we hear this before? Why did Ghosn's lawyers complain they were being hindered?

41 ( +43 / -2 )

""In the end, he just fled because he was afraid he would be found guilty in a trial."

Why aren't you being detained?

31 ( +34 / -3 )

"He had a chance to speak freely for a long time (at the press conference) and yet he did not give any specific explanation regarding his case," said a senior prosecutor 

Actually Ghosn did and of course because it's for public not for court and he had limited time he choose not going to very details for each case.

18 ( +25 / -7 )

"He had a chance to speak freely for a long time (at the press conference) and yet he did not give any specific explanation regarding his case," said a senior prosecutor 

"I have no time to keep up with a hoax by a person who left Japan in violation of the law," he said.

No time? You spent US$ 200 million for probing Ghosn while Nissan Loses US$ 40 Million every day.

27 ( +34 / -7 )

What a load of rubbish! They are spouting that Ghosn’s accusations are baseless, but they have failed to provide any factual evidence as to why he was unfairly detained and re-arrested the day before he was due to give a press conference. It is their arrest, extended incarceration, constant interrogation without a lawyer present, threats of things becoming worse, the ridiculous terms of his eventual bail that are baseless. Shame on Japan for even attempting to pathetically claim his accusations are baseless.

34 ( +43 / -9 )

its obvious that the J gov is sweating hard and are desperately trying to do damage control while attempting to keep a poker face. But their fear and embarrassment is clearly showing.

35 ( +43 / -8 )

 top government spokesman, said at a press conference that Ghosn's "claims are one-sided and not convincing at all."

All illegal leaks happened during Ghosn detention is one sided too right.

21 ( +28 / -7 )

Why would have Ghosn gone to the United States? He has no connection there, why would the prosecutor even suggest such a thing?

31 ( +37 / -6 )

"Japanese gov't, prosecutors, Nissan call Ghosn's accusations baseless."

Then prove it.

"prosecutors disclosed over 1,000 pieces of evidence to the defense team"

But did they disclose everything they had? The prosecutors had their hands on materials and evidence for months before they had to disclose what they had. How much exculpatory or contradictory evidence did they hold back or alter or "misplace" or "destroy by accident"? I'm saying this because there have been several documented instances of prosecutors (and bureaucrats and politicians) doing this. I found it laughable when they said they were afraid Ghosn would. Pot, meet kettle.

Prosecutors asking Ghosn to prove he is innocent is like asking me to prove I did not steal the socks I am wearing. I have no receipt, no record or memory of where or when I bought them, and can produce no witnesses. I guess I'm guilty because I cannot prove I'm innocent. Can they prove I did steal them? Doesn't matter, I guess.

32 ( +39 / -7 )

The Japanese prosecutors openly claim that Ghosn is guilty, but they publicly disclose no evidence to support their claim. Yet, they criticize Ghosn for not publicly providing evidence of his innocence -- even though this very article right here states “Ghosn did present various documents he cited as counter-evidence at the press conference, saying they proved claims made by prosecutors were groundless.”

Japan’s prosecutors have unfortunately gotten too used to physically and emotionally abusing the accused with impunity. Their methods are primitive, and they no longer represent the Japan we desire. They should go.

33 ( +38 / -5 )

"If he is innocent and thinks countries other than Japan are fairer, why didn't he go to the United States or France?" asked the prosecutor, indicating a lack of faith in Lebanon's judicial system.

Ghosn already answered that during his press conference why he choose particular country where he stays, "I'm surrounded by friends in Lebanon, by people who respect me and who are proud of me, which I really needed after the ordeal I have been through."

27 ( +31 / -4 )

Why would have Ghosn gone to the United States? He has no connection there, why would the prosecutor even suggest such a thing?

Because he's one of those educated idiots. There's a whole lotta them.

-10 ( +10 / -20 )

I seriously can't see how the J government and Nissan can say things like this. All my students today asked me what I thought about this situation. All of them could see the evidence and the fact that the justice system has issues. They were all embarrassed.

31 ( +34 / -3 )

The Japanese prosecutors openly claim that Ghosn is guilty, but they publicly disclose no evidence to support their claim.

Not only that they gave Japanese media one sided illegal leak while trying give image and message that Ghosn is "Cold, Greedy Dictactor".

28 ( +31 / -3 )

Of course the govt are going to, and have to say, their justice system is fine and righteous and fair FFS, they cant very well come out and say its corrupt, dishonest, crooked, crippled, crazy, bent, and rorted rotten could they.

The truth of this case is some where in the middle Saikawa (who was discovered to have been overpaid by 47mill yen ), Nissan, Kelly, 3,000 accounting staff at nissan, the prosecutors and Ghosn who skipped bail saga.

Where exactly though, no one now will ever really know, but we can all assume there is some element of truth in this story. Let your mind, your conscience, your understanding of business, life and how things in Japan are decide where the truth lies.

For now Japan's Justice system or lack of is exposed to the world, and Ghosn will live as a fugitive.

16 ( +18 / -2 )

Today, it's an unusual change of diet from their usual Staples of diffident people from India, Africa and some S. Americans. The ones whom they kick around with no comebacks. And, as usual with all bullies who are suddenly faced with a formidable adversary, they don't know how to react,, after all , they are so used to walkovers.

Ghosn, shine one ray of light and disperse a thousand shadows, none needs its darkness shone more than the decrepit system of Japanese Justice system.

16 ( +20 / -4 )

Japan’s prosecutors have unfortunately gotten too used to physically and emotionally abusing the accused with impunity. Their methods are primitive, and they no longer represent the Japan we desire. 

Their method is to detain people until they break and confess. For Ghosn's case he didn't break so they try to find another way, they try to extend investigation to his wife.

27 ( +30 / -3 )

The sad thing is, even after all this, most Japanese people truly believe their "justice" system is world-quality, first-world level.

29 ( +30 / -1 )

Was Ghosn persecuted excessively, probably yes.

Was he guilty, hell yes.

No sympathy for him or the prosecutors.

Feel sorry for Kelly though, the prosecutors will double down hard on him.

-16 ( +5 / -21 )

Why is Saikawa even asked for his comment on the matter? Glad Ghosn could give his say finally but I'm extremely troubled that NOTHING in the system will change. There is no real justice in Japan.

17 ( +20 / -3 )

ulysses: Was he guilty, hell yes.

And you have proof of this?

23 ( +24 / -1 )

Of course the govt are going to, and have to say, their justice system is fine and righteous and fair

In fact lawyers has complain about this from long long time but no actual change

https://www.hrw.org/news/2019/04/10/call-eliminate-japans-hostage-justice-system-japanese-legal-professionals. While how Japanese justice system being implemented in low profile case especially for foreigners, can check Debito https://www.debito.org

7 ( +10 / -3 )

Is Greg Kelly still out on bail? Poor guy taking a fall for the boss.

Even Ghosn said he can not do anything to Greg Kelly while he was in Japan. He was not allowed to contact him at all.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4DAjeK0og78

7 ( +8 / -1 )

"If he is innocent and thinks countries other than Japan are fairer, why didn't he go to the United States or France?" asked the prosecutor, indicating a lack of faith in Lebanon's judicial system.

Gee, I dont know. Maybe its because he is of Lebanese origin? Ties and family in Lebanon? And the fact it would make it difficult for you to continue to harass him there?

17 ( +17 / -0 )

"I was wondering what kind of comments he would make, but I was disappointed," said Saikawa, who himself was pushed into resigning from Nissan in September after it was discovered he was overpaid by roughly 47 million yen in an equity-linked remuneration scheme.

Even though Ghosn named him directly, this is still a stupid comment to make even if he didn't say anything interesting. Yeah, real disappointed, I'm sure he was really hoping that Ghosn would come with ironclad evidence showing the corruption and illegal tactics used. Apparently the interviewer didn't bother asking Saikawa about the evidence Ghosn showed that directly implicated him though. Is there not a single reporter in this country who will ask a hard question that doesn't support the official Japanese view?

18 ( +19 / -1 )

Mr Ghosn is just warming up...

15 ( +15 / -0 )

Just listening to this now. Ghosn is on fire. And the childish questions from the Japanese reporters are embarrassing.

21 ( +21 / -0 )

One thing I feel strange is that so many people here are on the side of Ghosn while you must be living on small salaries, I presume with your permision. Ghosn earned hundred times more than a Japanese company president could earn. So long as there are people who think Ghosn a hero, capitalism is safe.

-24 ( +1 / -25 )

Medieval justice just doesn't work in a Internet age, sorry Japan.

18 ( +19 / -1 )

No more Nissan for me. Hope they fail miserably, or even better get bought by a Chinese company

14 ( +16 / -2 )

So long as there are people who think Ghosn a hero, capitalism is safe.

Let's hear it for good ol' efficient capitalism that fuels economic growth and provides jobs!

0 ( +6 / -6 )

Very sorry, it is not only abt money or just papers, it is abt fainess. Carlos case was 19 years of bringing dead nissan out of death and the way , nissan repaid him ???. nissan and all poor minded, back stabbing people in nissan in japan deserve the punishment from god, tenbatsu in japanese.

12 ( +15 / -3 )

Because he's one of those educated idiots. There's a whole lotta them.

and you think the uneducated should run the country LMFAO weve already got one of those

1 ( +3 / -2 )

This is by far the best drama / comedy on Japanese tv

11 ( +12 / -1 )

Let's hear it for good ol' efficient capitalism that fuels economic growth and provides jobs!

China has good efficient capitalism also, according to the many worlds big companies that manufacture there, employes millions of Chinese also. So why the hatred of Chinese capitalism or does capitalism only work when America does it!?

0 ( +5 / -5 )

It was truely an excellent press conference by Ghosn yesterday. The japanese response was as pathetic as expected. Their "justice" system is on a par with North Korea, China and Myanma. Any foreigner in japan is in a truely precarious position. They have no rights and can be detained on no evidence, found guilty and locked away for years.

8 ( +10 / -2 )

One thing I feel strange is that so many people here are on the side of Ghosn while you must be living on small salaries, I presume with your permision. Ghosn earned hundred times more than a Japanese company president could 

no i earn considerable more than your average Japanese wage, Nissan isnt just a Japanese company anymore its a global company and global CEO get paid what Ghosn doesn't and much more, if you want the best talent you need to pay the price. No I dont agree with these huge salaries but while the shareholders are fine with their CEOs salaries and theyre making money from the company then I dont see it changing anytime soon.

If you so concerned about high salaries of CEOs then you should be angry at all the corruption in J business yet very few go to jail or detention for their crimes, or do Japanese get a free pass because they're Japanese!?

1 ( +7 / -6 )

I'll tell you why because Japan is USA.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

ulysses: Was he guilty, hell yes.

And you have proof of this?

Yes , cannot share it though .

Have signed an NDA.

-14 ( +1 / -15 )

Keep talking Japanese legal predators, pols, and keystones, you make yourself look dumb by doing so.

8 ( +9 / -1 )

At my workplace I have heard people say Ghosn must be guilty, he's a foreigner! These warped ideas are what foreigners are up against in japan.

11 ( +12 / -1 )

May fly in Japan, but not on the world stage. Meanwhile, as they claim it's all baseless, the guy that was Ghosn's #2 and was involved in what Ghosn is accused of merely apologized and said, "I am guilty, therefore I should be president of the company so that I can make things more transparent and better." Hahaha. What a joke!

I heard several people today joking about this situation, and even more laughing online. Stuff like, "I want to go to the Olympics, but I Don't have tickets. Maybe I'll just hide in a box."

7 ( +9 / -2 )

The J reporters ask questions like junior high school students. They hardly ever phrase a questions that raise issues?

9 ( +9 / -0 )

99% on this site do stand behind Ghosn. Like the culprit rate in Japan.

I stand behind him for condemning and fighting the Japanese judiciary system. I dislike the way it works and people are kept questioning etc etc, even for minor crimes But I am pretty sure he did some wrongdoings. He certainly played with the fiscal system, knowing at some stages he was at the limit of the legality. People around him knew it and used it to outer him from the game. And these are certainly the Nissan executives. But I cannot imagine him being arrested without any illegal issues. He believes himself in a conspiracy where everything was created. His speech yesterday was very interesting but he should have kept focused on the accusations and show he is innocent. The company strategy and critics of Japan did not help. It is not the point.

The way he escaped tells a lot about the guy. I admire his courage, fight, his cleverness, but guys come one, do you know the Ghosn method.

Ask the French subcontractors of Renault. All replaced by cheaper foreign subcontractors to increase compétitivité and profits. Factories also. It helps to boost the profits and please the shareholders. He is a strong business leader, no doubt about him, but if you were working for him. I am not sure you would admire him.

13 ( +15 / -2 )

They have no rights and can be detained on no evidence, found guilty and locked away for years.

Do you think so?

I don’t

-12 ( +0 / -12 )

How is the glorious and fair system of Japan dealing with Saikawa and his ¥47 million remuneration schemings? Anyone? This is proof the system is flawed.

10 ( +11 / -1 )

He had a chance to speak freely

Literally just admitted Ghosn was not able to freely speak while in Japan.

11 ( +11 / -0 )

The prosecutors, Japanese government, and Nissan’s remarks are baseless.

8 ( +9 / -1 )

"If he is innocent and thinks countries other than Japan are fairer, why didn't he go to the United States or France?" asked the prosecutor, indicating a lack of faith in Lebanon's judicial system.

Did they really listen to Ghosn ?

He said Lebanon was easier for logistics.

And USA : he's not a citizen and ask the black community if it's a fair country ...

4 ( +7 / -3 )

Clearly Ghosn didn’t follow the accepted procedure when caught fiddling the company finances. The usual way is a deep bow, profuse apologies, a few tears, retirement on a good pension and then a life of golf. Then all would have been forgotten.

-2 ( +4 / -6 )

One thing I feel strange is that so many people here are on the side of Ghosn while you must be living on small salaries, I presume with your permision. Ghosn earned hundred times more than a Japanese company president could earn. So long as there are people who think Ghosn a hero, capitalism is safe.

Ghosn is a hero for many because he has been the only person who has brought the unfair Japanese justice system into focus. It did take money on his part to escape, but the possibility the Japanese will actually be forced to and perhaps admit a mistake of their ways is no small feat. You are taking one part of his life...his CEO position...believing it has to do with the unfair practice of justice in Japan, and it is actually mutually exclusive of the reason as to why Ghosn's side is taken by many. In fact, vilifying him because he is a CEO and a capitalist in this matter is actually quite prejudicial, as it has nothing to do with why he jumped bail.

11 ( +11 / -0 )

So much love for the white collar criminals!

Highly skewed in favor of the elite, that capitalism malarkey. And those loud voices who chase mammon whilst deriding a fairer system?

While you were so worried Socialism would take your freedoms, Capitalism stole your pension, took your savings, sent your jobs abroad, robbed you of health care, put you in debt and destroyed the environment, leaving you only your racism, xenophobia, hate, and bitterness.

-10 ( +1 / -11 )

Ghosn's problem now is how to get that Interpol red notice lifted. No matter how many press conferences he gives, skipping bail is a criminal offense and that has nothing to do with the charges he was arrested on. I completely understand his reasons for skipping bail and I agree with him about Japan's justice system, but skipping bail is a crime in every country that I can think of and it's going to dog him for the rest of his life. He'll be severely restricted on where he can travel; he'll have to spend a fortune on private security and it will take a toll on his health.

I don't see how he can get Interpol to lift the notice. Maybe he can run for the presidency of Lebanon which would give him immunity.

6 ( +8 / -2 )

Arrested in 2018 to be tried in 2021 and in the meantime in solitary confinement, interrogated for eight (8) hours per day, forbidden to communicate with his wife, under house arrest. These are correct justice procedures?

We may as well be under Chinese rule!

Not a lot of difference!

11 ( +13 / -2 )

Greed is the problem, Ghosn went beyond saving a failing company to taking too much remuneration.

If he could have kept himself in check things would have worked out fine but HIS greed got him.

Sure he came to Japan and did turn around a company that was pretty much done for , but he over stepped the mark when he couldnt keep his greedy mitts out of the cookie jar.

Do any of you really understand to the extent he was pilfering the place?

He could have shared the profits with the workers instead of grabbing what ever he could for his own pocket, it looks to be it just became too disgusting to ignore, GREED is what undone him and ultimately the company he came here to save.

The automotive industry and coporate world here in Japan is awash with greed, lies, cheating, scams , shams, rubbing shoulders with politicians, lining pockets, ducking , diving, scheming and skiving pretty much anything they can and smile while doing it.

Greed !!

-12 ( +2 / -14 )

Toasted HereticToday  07:24 pm JST

So much love for the white collar criminals!

Highly skewed in favor of the elite, that capitalism malarkey. And those loud voices who chase mammon whilst deriding a fairer system?

While you were so worried Socialism would take your freedoms, Capitalism stole your pension, took your savings, sent your jobs abroad, robbed you of health care, put you in debt and destroyed the environment, leaving you only your racism, xenophobia, hate, and bitterness.

Wow. If you really think Japan will have a pension system in 10-20 years, you've been living under a rock. So many people are struggling in Japan.

9 ( +9 / -0 )

MSR JapanToday  07:42 pm JST

Greed is the problem, Ghosn went beyond saving a failing company to taking too much remuneration.

If he could have kept himself in check things would have worked out fine but HIS greed got him.

Sure he came to Japan and did turn around a company that was pretty much done for , but he over stepped the mark when he couldnt keep his greedy mitts out of the cookie jar.

Do any of you really understand to the extent he was pilfering the place?

He could have shared the profits with the workers instead of grabbing what ever he could for his own pocket, it looks to be it just became too disgusting to ignore, GREED is what undone him and ultimately the company he came here to save.

The automotive industry and coporate world here in Japan is awash with greed, lies, cheating, scams , shams, rubbing shoulders with politicians, lining pockets, ducking , diving, scheming and skiving pretty much anything they can and smile while doing it.

Greed !!

Until we see hard evidence of this from the prosecutors, your comments mean jack!

-1 ( +4 / -5 )

Ghosn will be laughing so hard when Nissan declares bankruptcy in a few years

8 ( +9 / -1 )

@Wobot

Thanks for sharing. Priceless!

4 ( +4 / -0 )

MSR Japan:

Sure he came to Japan and did turn around a company that was pretty much done for , but he over stepped the mark when he couldnt keep his greedy mitts out of the cookie jar.

Well, maybe. But we do not know that yet, do we know? What we do know is how he was treated by the Nissan executives and the justice system. (Very different from this Saikawa character, it seems to me.)

4 ( +5 / -1 )

Japanese people all know the justice system is unfair for Japanese people.

But there is one prevailing mistake intentionally spread. The prosecuter's office doesn't prosecute a case if evidence is not enough or the crime is considered as minor.

The rate varies depending on type of the crime. 10 to 90% cases are not prosecuted in Japan. Saikawa’s case falls in here. He was investigated and lost his job but was not prosecuted in the end.

Once the case is prosecuted, which means the suspect is already very doubtful with enough evidence, 99% of people are going to be guilty. This 99% is what we are talking about. So, actually it's not 99% as people may think. Actually the rate is around 60% on average.

-4 ( +2 / -6 )

What's worrying is Japan's public opinion. In Japan, you are considered guilty if others, especially those in authority deem you to be guilty. Having read the Japanese news articles and media, the average Japanese man on the street is being brainwashed into believing he's just a fugitive who simply escaped. Most Japanese don't read western news sites or their level of English comprehension is too low. They will never be able to read between the lines and try and get a balanced view for themselves.

7 ( +9 / -2 )

If the prosecutors and Justice system had so many evidences, I'd like to understand Why they have not fixed a date for his trial.

The prosecutors failed to answer this basic question.

The detention conditions in Japan need to be questioned.

Keeping the lights on in a cell day and night, is called isolation and torture in other countries. He has been treated as a terrorist, may Japan Government want to hear it or not.

International Medias have now covered how the Japanese system works, and how full of flaws it is.

Carlos Ghosn has beaten the Japanese Prosecutors to their own game. And no declaration or action from them will remove the international shame resting over them.

6 ( +7 / -1 )

Another rich criminal evades justice.

-8 ( +1 / -9 )

"Company pays" doesn't always work in your favor. In Ghosn's case, He spent almost all of his CEO days

in coming up with idea as CEO of a multinational corp carrying three countries' passports how to maximize your personal income and to evade Tax authorities. Yeah He should build his next career as the greatest Tax adviser. Company Car, Company Cruiser, Company Private Jet, Company House, Company festival, .....

MIsapproariate too much despite he is not the owner of the corp

-9 ( +0 / -9 )

During preparations for his trial at the Tokyo District Court, prosecutors disclosed over 1,000 pieces of evidence to the defense team, the senior prosecutor said, while claiming Ghosn fled because he considered the evidence irrefutable

ok where can we see this evidence...

7 ( +7 / -0 )

Another rich criminal evades justice.

Saikawa?

9 ( +9 / -0 )

Just saw some Japanese guy on NHK who when asked for his opinion on Ghosn's press conference, said he lacks dignity. LOL

10 ( +10 / -0 )

Another rich criminal evades justice.

You have some proof that Ghosn is guilty of any crimes? I didn't think so.

9 ( +9 / -0 )

He said Lebanon was easier for logistics.

From what I heard from former hostages, it's tricky to flee from there.

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

Mori said Japan's justice system "sets out appropriate procedures and is administered properly," and does not bar a person from seeing an individual unless there is a flight risk or danger of evidence being destroyed or concealed.

so that can be applied to everyone that the J government thinks is guilty, so no one has got a chance.

Her comments, made available in a statement in Japanese, English and French, said that "there is no way" that the prosecutors would "take part in any kind of conspiracy of any interest groups and investigate a matter that has not reached a threshold."

Uuuum, realy? do you think we're stupid?

Suga, the top government spokesman, said at a press conference that Ghosn's "claims are one-sided and not convincing at all."

Oh boy they are convincing, they really are. try and convince the rest of the world that he's wrong, show us your evidence lets have a live trial via the internet,

During preparations for his trial at the Tokyo District Court, prosecutors disclosed over 1,000 pieces of evidence to the defense team, the senior prosecutor said, while claiming Ghosn fled because he considered the evidence irrefutable.

ok lets see them then.

The Japanese government, prosecutors and Nissan Motor Co officials on Thursday largely shrugged off claims made by the automaker's former chairman Carlos Ghosn at his first press conference after fleeing Japan, saying he failed to clear his name.

well you would wouldn't you? just a cheap swipe at him, he's innocent and you know it!

7 ( +9 / -2 )

@Wobot Today 07:10 pm JST

The Justice Minister actually let slip she doesn't really understand how the law works, wow

Frankly, I don't blame her and I think people are just deliberately taking the worst interpretation of the words. If all a defendant needs to do is "proclaim (主張)" his innocence, no one would ever be found guilty. Like it or not, by the time we get to an indictment, there is already a fair pile of evidence against the accused and he would likely have to present some evidence, some reasoning, some argument to establish a credible alternate version where he is innocent or at least less guilty to whatever the prosecutor's version is. Speaking colloquially, "prove".

The Directed Verdict used because the prosecutor's case is extraordinarily weak and the defense doesn't need to put up a case at all is supposed to be a rarity, a sign of the system going wrong.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

If Japan really wants to take Ghosn to court, they gonna have to settle by taking him to court in either Lebanon, France, or Brazil's court

That's Japan's only chance

If Japan has the evidence strong enough to convict Ghosn, then it should not matter whether that court is in Lebanon, France, or Brazil

Ghosn has already said he doesn't mind going to court as long as it's in one of the countries he's a citizen of (Lebanon, France, Brazil)

If Japan wants to fight him there, Ghosn is not going to run away this time because otherwise that would be the last nail on the coffin of his innocence

During preparations for his trial at the Tokyo District Court, prosecutors disclosed over 1,000 pieces of evidence to the defense team, the senior prosecutor said

Somebody should ask the defense team if that's true

6 ( +6 / -0 )

It’s disconcerting that the Japanese authorities seem to be openly stating that one who is arrested is essentially presumed guilty, prior to trial. And therefore their system is just fine.

They seem to not be getting the basics here. I feel for the many innocent people this system must have wronged over the years.

9 ( +10 / -1 )

If the prosecutor has that strong evidences, why do they fear he could tampered them with, why does it take 1 or 2 or 3 years to go into trial?

All that on top of Nissan giving and supporting the accusation.

Ghosn might not be clean but the prosecutor look very dirty in comparison.

9 ( +9 / -0 )

If all a defendant needs to do is "proclaim (主張)" his innocence, no one would ever be found guilty

If all a defendant needs to do...in order to do what? If you mean to establish their innocence, then they don't even need to proclaim anything. They just need to not be found guilty beyond reasonable doubt.

9 ( +9 / -0 )

Boy oh boy  the Japanese quoted in this article really come across as intellectual midgets!! Embarrassing to read their lame lines.....

Come on Japan its way past time to start doing BETTER!

6 ( +8 / -2 )

Japanese governments needs to fix and reform their Justice system because it's not even appropriate and it's corrupt and the Japanese criminal Justice System is unfair and no one gets a fair trial but only in the US, Japanese criminal Justice system is a load of BS and needs reforming and fixing because Japan's needs to focus on wiping out the Yakuza problem still since the Japanese government needs to wipe out the Yakuza completely so Japanese governments will take control of the sex industry in Japan, change the rules, legalize prostitution, forbid 18, 19, and 20 year olds who join basically just for the money and not admire the business without committing to it because this:

Is pure indication that the Japanese Criminal Justice System is unfair and no one gets a fair trial. If Japan continues, this is one of the reasons why Japanese native locals are outraging because of this Unfair Japanese Criminal Justice system is corrupt and needs reforming and fixing

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga also defended Japan's criminal justice system, saying it respects basic human rights and has appropriate procedures.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

Frankly, I don't blame her and I think people are just deliberately taking the worst interpretation of the words. If all a defendant needs to do is "proclaim (主張)" his innocence, no one would ever be found guilty. Like it or not, by the time we get to an indictment, there is already a fair pile of evidence against the accused and he would likely have to present some evidence, some reasoning, some argument to establish a credible alternate version where he is innocent or at least less guilty to whatever the prosecutor's version is.

You forgot one thing, especially in Japan, by the time of trial they will have necessary of confessions especially it takes times from first day of detention until going to trial. As Ghosn and other mentioned 8 hours of interrogation everyday and can happened anytime they like.

I don't blame her and I think people are just deliberately taking the worst interpretation of the words. If all a defendant needs to do is "proclaim (主張)" his innocence, no one would ever be found guilty

無罪証明 was becoming trending topics where she finally revise that, not necessarily need to revise where that the actual thing that happens in Japan.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

@yukih

Japanese people all know the justice system is unfair for Japanese people.

But there is one prevailing mistake intentionally spread. The prosecuter's office doesn't prosecute a case if evidence is not enough or the crime is considered as minor.

The rate varies depending on type of the crime. 10 to 90% cases are not prosecuted in Japan. Saikawa’s case falls in here. He was investigated and lost his job but was not prosecuted in the end.

Once the case is prosecuted, which means the suspect is already very doubtful with enough evidence, 99% of people are going to be guilty. This 99% is what we are talking about. So, actually it's not 99% as people may think. Actually the rate is around 60% on average.

Even when they decide to drop the case and not go trial, people lives won't be the same again. This people already spend days or months, going from one charge to another. By the time that free, they might already lost their job and have debts to pay legal fees.

4 ( +4 / -0 )

"If he is innocent and thinks countries other than Japan are fairer, why didn't he go to the United States or France?" asked the prosecutor, indicating a lack of faith in Lebanon's judicial system.

Ghosn, facing trial in Japan, jumped bail and fled to Lebanon in late December. He has been charged with underreporting his remuneration at Nissan by several billion yen over eight years and aggravated breach of trust for allegedly misusing the automaker's funds.

A crook is a crook.

He reminds me of “El Chapo”. He has “Houdini” vanishing tricks too. No honest person escapes trial if you think you are innocent. With the world watching? Everyone wants to do this entire thing right. Have faith in the Judicial system.

-5 ( +1 / -6 )

@Maria 'Bing' Velasquez Reid

Ghosn, facing trial in Japan, jumped bail and fled to Lebanon in late December. He has been charged with underreporting his remuneration at Nissan by several billion yen over eight years and aggravated breach of trust for allegedly misusing the automaker's funds.

Please check his press conference, he include necessary documents that such things is not possible without other people in company know and approve it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5WvRDV67mDU

6 ( +7 / -1 )

Let me think about this. If I was accused of a crime I was innocent of and was going to be tried in a country with almost a 100% conviction rate what would I do?

6 ( +7 / -1 )

Charlie Sommers, let me think about it for you: never do anything criminal to be accused of, as simple as that.

-4 ( +0 / -4 )

It's hard not to draw parallels from the Midway. Japanese lost 4 aircraft carriers, yet Japanese claimed victory. And no Japanese doubted victory. Japanese credibility, what's left of it if there were any in the first place, is burning down and Japanese people cheers, just like they did in the pacific LOL

5 ( +7 / -2 )

what else they can say? people do not want to admit wrong doing is never going to advance to

next level. ghosn is not the dictator here, it is the persecutors and the jurisdiction system. why not

air ghosn's conference with subtitle in japanese? citizen do have a right to know what was and is going on?

not just based on one side story from persecutors and nissan.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Japan can't apologize, ever

3 ( +4 / -1 )

As a Nissan shareholder, who is protecting my interest in all this? You spent $200million USD to investigate one man for a fraction of that amount allegedly misapplied by him. Who made that decision to blow $200million of our money on that misadventure. Obviously not a wise investment decision. Nissan's market value has fallen by about 40% since November 2018, the company continues to lose money everyday. About $40million daily, the brand is damaged, reputation continues to sink, profits falling, sales down. Who is protecting my interest? About to lay off over 12,000 workers. Apart from being a shareholder, I have 3 Nissan vehicles and I am not going to buy a 4th one. I am done with Nissan forever.

5 ( +5 / -0 )

Japan can't apologize, ever

That's not quite true. They do apologize at times but their subsequent actions always negate their apology.

4 ( +4 / -0 )

Dear Justice Minister Masako Mori, forget about Gosn for a second and answer these questions to the world. Where is it that the police can hold you for 23 days without even charging you (and further extend it again)? Japan. Where is it that the police can question you from morning until night without video surveillance during those 23 days of incarceration? Japan. Which country are you not allowed to have an attorney present while being questioned? Japan. Which country has a 99% conviction rate because eventually everyone gives in, guilty or not - Only in Japan. The world now gets to see the unfair sham that is the Japanese justice system, so whether Gosn is guilty of anything or not, he's done us all a huge favor.

4 ( +5 / -1 )

@Kevin What you just posted is nothing but TRUTH!

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Something that people seem to be missing is, all the misappropriations of funds Ghosn is being accused of were signed off and approved by the board of directors. If Ghosn is guilty of misuse of company funds, every board member who signed off on the money is also guilty. This is where the prosecutors' case is flawed. The corruption within the company is widespread and prevalent throughout the entire upper management yet, only Ghosn has been singled out. His extended detention, solitary confinement, constant interrogations and threats of 'confess or it will get worse' show clearly how the prosecutors do not have a strong case against him and they are (were) holding him to break him for a confession. This is also why they kept delaying the trial. They don't want the truth to come out because it would implicate all the Japanese board members and government officials who were responsible for the management of company funds. It is obvious Ghosn has been railroaded and is the victim of an underhanded corporate coup. He did not flee justice! He fled injustice!

4 ( +5 / -1 )

Goshn had only 10 days to get press conference ready after fleeing. That's a feast.

Goshn was not making his own judgement, he said so clearly. He said he was pointing at all the actions he undergone going against human basic rights and basic legal rules (line evryone on board signing and Japanese let free ...)

I can't judge him and all events objectively let you think prosecutors are playing a foul game.

I guess he has done wrongdoings, but even so, this is not criminal. That is the difference between an enlighted system and a dark one.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

I have no idea if Ghosn is guilty, but after two decades in japan I don’t have a good expectation that he would have received a fair trial.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

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