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Japan asks Interpol to issue red notice for Ghosn's wife

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Ghosn had been questioned on 70 of the 130 days, for an average of just under four hours each time. (from the Mainichi article)

So questioned on just under half of the days for 8 hours on the days he was questioned. That is indeed 8 hours a day, and without a lawyer present seems excessive to me.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

kazuaki

The level of interpretation Japanese show based on thin air and against basic logical legal rules to show they are right is frightening.

Again, you prove guilt, you don't prove innocence !

2 ( +3 / -1 )

She's sending large batches of money to people at the same time she's "asking" them not to cooperate? Do you really think this can be passed off credibly as a "gift"? There is a certain murk between gifts and bribes, but if the demands are concrete rather than abstract, then we are definitely in bribe territory.

Where you got this information again? Let give time for Ghosn's wife to tell her side of story.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

It may be time to start questioning the Interpol to see how they work. Issuing a red notice seems a bit much for allegations. We’ve seen the prosecution and DoJ here swinging their arms right and left. They’re not used to having overseers. That’s their role. LoL. They’re panicking.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

I actually feel very embarrassed talking about this case with Japanese people now, the points of law and international practices followed in 1st world countries are missing here in Japan.

Once realization occurs that the system here is so flawed and illogical then most of the Japanese people become shocked...

2 ( +3 / -1 )

"NEW FLASH"!! Carlos cat has an arrest warrant out inits name, apparently its wanted on alleged peeeeeerjury

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

"NEW FLASH"!! Carlos cat has an arrest warrant out inits name, apparently its wanted on alleged peeeeeerjury

0 ( +4 / -4 )

@Jonathan PrinJan. 10 10:44 pm JST

in the messages of Carole's phone, it is said she only asked for her acquaintances not to reply to prosecutors. That is her right to have an opinion (how can she "demand", she is not the pope!). Moreover, sending an email is not "meeting" people. You get a reply for a question.

She's sending large batches of money to people at the same time she's "asking" them not to cooperate? Do you really think this can be passed off credibly as a "gift"? There is a certain murk between gifts and bribes, but if the demands are concrete rather than abstract, then we are definitely in bribe territory.

Depending on her exact wording, her "ask" may qualify for Article 104 with her as the instigator (rather than the principal).

-7 ( +0 / -7 )

Well, Ghosn complained that he couldn't see his wife, so this is a good thing. They'll always be together during this trial.

-7 ( +1 / -8 )

When I read this article I just burst out laughing. The prosecutors are just so pathetic, unbelievable. This whole thing is just making japan look more and more stupid. You lost and deservedly so with your "justice system" from about 1000 years ago. Time to come into the 21st century japan!

5 ( +6 / -1 )

What is this, the mafia now?

Yep, the mafia medieval system, now exposed to everyone in all its glory.

6 ( +7 / -1 )

Just give one year aid from japan to lebanon to hozbollah n see ghosn bcom abdullah

Carlos is Christian; nice try to connect him with that

6 ( +7 / -1 )

France should issue a warrant arrest for Saikawa and pass it to the Interpol.

14 ( +15 / -1 )

This whole situation is laughable.

7 ( +7 / -0 )

Anyone catch the clip of the NHK interview with Ghosn on NewsWatch 9?

I was kind of amazed it happened, but then they only showed a few seconds of it and then focused on...you guessed it...the Orthodox Opinion that he's a very naughty boy.

Not Japanese media only being called naughty boy but also usually it's being edited. Here's one of full Ghosn interview with Japanese media after his escape.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OAvfPalNBNM

0 ( +1 / -1 )

He will end up back here.

No, he won't. Unless they send elite thugs to kidnap him.

First husband, now wife. . . What's next?

Kids, then relatives, then friends, acquaintances, neighbors...

Anyone catch the clip of the NHK interview with Ghosn on NewsWatch 9?

I was kind of amazed it happened, but then they only showed a few seconds of it and then focused on...you guessed it...the Orthodox Opinion that he's a very naughty boy.

I did. I turned it off when the Orthodox Opinion commenced. And I haven't paid NHK one yen :D

8 ( +9 / -1 )

@kasuaki

Youbare surely clever but you should read well the article you propose :

in the messages of Carole's phone, it is said she only asked for her acquaintances not to reply to prosecutors. That is her right to have an opinion (how can she "demand", she is not the pope!). Moreover, sending an email is not "meeting" people. You get a reply for a question.

And please show us the full messages as evidence.

even if she sent money to Carlos ex-wife, how do they know the intent of the transfer ??? Do you think she is such a fool to have written down "money to bribe you or others".

And also, how do they know about her money transfer, did Japan spy her in illegal way her banks ?

And again, show me proof since they had 8 months to do that ! (Carlos did in 10 days, so yes you can blame his "unpreparedness" lol)

7 ( +9 / -2 )

@AlexBecu

The anti-Japan crowd supporting a criminal who broke the laws, stole money, run away. What's new

Certainly not me. Saying the Japanese judicial system is anything less than perfect doesn't make you anti-Japan. In fact, if you think it's wrong to put forth legitimate criticism about a country you live/work/have a family in then, well you're a few centuries too late.

14 ( +15 / -1 )

Anyone catch the clip of the NHK interview with Ghosn on NewsWatch 9?

I was kind of amazed it happened, but then they only showed a few seconds of it and then focused on...you guessed it...the Orthodox Opinion that he's a very naughty boy.

12 ( +13 / -1 )

The anti-Japan crowd supporting a criminal who broke the laws, stole money, run away. What's new

-13 ( +6 / -19 )

She was banned from meeting with Carlos while he was out on bail because she was seen as someone who might help his escape so this is their argument. Pathetic!

That's their argument while Ghosn still can meet with his sister and kids at that time, so that ban only just to break Ghosn so he done what they ask. They know that's his weak spot.

5 ( +6 / -1 )

And it seems they found more dirt than that - refer to Mainichi report.

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20200110/p2a/00m/0na/014000c

Dirts? During Ghosn's news conference, he already give his side of those "dirts".

Even in that article it's mentioned that is very unusual for prosecutors in Japan to refer to evidence or witness statements prior to the beginning of a public trial.

It just shows how desperate the situation is, since already out from their hands.

6 ( +7 / -1 )

Very disappointing

4 ( +6 / -2 )

Screenshot and discussion about the tweet here:

https://mobile.twitter.com/shingetsunews/status/1215174713099505664

The footage the her press conference has been edited (her mistake was cut out) as well.

Carry on - nothing to see here.

5 ( +5 / -0 )

Good articles out there today about Mori's mistake and response by Ghosn's French Lawyer:

"https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2020/01/10/national/crime-legal/justice-minister-mori-backtracks-ghosn-should-prove-innocence/#.Xhj58B6RUlQ"

Japan's minister of Justice said not once but twice that "Ghosn should come to Japan to prove his innocence", completely ignoring the Universal declaration of Human rights.

"Francois Zimeray said in a statement addressed to Justice Minister Masako Mori that her mistake reflected Japanese justice, which goes against the human rights principle of presumption of innocence."

8 ( +10 / -2 )

Oof. Whatever your opinion is on Ghosn, this is some really bad optics.

They essentially had a get out of jail free card after he escaped... it made Japanese security forces look a bit foolish but at least they had some grounds for claiming the moral upper-hand when he escaped. At that point they should have just grumbled a bit and then tried to bury it, everyone would have just assumed he was a crooked businessman looking out for himself. The more they bring it to the forefront the more Ghosn is going to look credible. And putting out a notice for his wife? That's so tacky. Consolidate your offense and know when you're ahead.

For as much as Japan cares about saving face they seem to be shooting themselves in it a little too much these days.

6 ( +9 / -3 )

@bububu4

You haven't been following the story well.

Her phone was taken off her after his second arrest while she was in Japan.

4 ( +6 / -2 )

Just give one year aid from japan to lebanon to hozbollah n see ghosn bcom abdullah

-7 ( +1 / -8 )

@Kazuaki

Yes, confession is best because that’s how Japan Injustice system is designed.

Tokyo prosecutors will win this one on technicality, but that’s all they can get. It’s easy to nitpick the evidence to try to prove their point, but on a broader sense they already lost.

6 ( +9 / -3 )

If Carlos and his wife returned, or were returned, to Japan, what then?

Would the MOJ destroy them?

And if they did, would they consider the collateral damages to Japans reputation?

I mean, the whole world would be watching, not so much Carlos and his wife, but

how Japan conducts itself

5 ( +7 / -2 )

Stupid is as stupid does. Just can’t help themselves, every single wrong turn will be continued to be taken.

8 ( +10 / -2 )

Not reported here, but elsewhere and relevant to comments on the Justice System:

Justice Minister Masako Mori has backtracked on an inflammatory comment in which she said fugitive ex-Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn should come to Japan to “prove his innocence.”

Some took the comment as a gaffe proving the businessman’s claim that under the Japanese justice system, he is guilty until proven innocent.

In a Thursday afternoon tweet, Mori apologized for saying Ghosn should “prove his innocence” during her media address and said that she meant he should “assert” it instead. The tweet, which went viral, increased the growing international debate over the true nature of the Japanese system, which critics have dubbed “hostage justice.”

11 ( +14 / -3 )

Tokyo prosecutors this week obtained an arrest warrant for Ghosn's wife Carole, 53, for alleged perjury when she appeared in court last year in connection with her husband's suspected misuse of the company's funds.

Now the Japanese are just trying to save face.

9 ( +14 / -5 )

Only 10 million USD!?

That's nothing!

Abe spends more than that on "garden parties!"

15 ( +17 / -2 )

"Interpol only refers cases to local/regional police agencies. Lebanon and Japan have no extradition treaty, so for the local police to arrest him would be a waste of time."

So, according to you they will never travel outside Lebanon, until they're dead then.

That's what Wakarimasen was hinting; if they set foot outside Lebanon, they're game.

-7 ( +5 / -12 )

How pathetic

17 ( +17 / -0 )

Talk about digging yourself deeper into a hole you have already dug! Appears to be the only thing these guys are good at. Arrest warrant - detention - repeat! They are making themselves look absolutely rediculous on the world stage something they appear to be oblivious to. This is just making Ghosn's reason for fleeing Japan 100% justifiable!

14 ( +17 / -3 )

This is getting ridiculous. I can understand the request to Interpol for Ghosn but I do not understand for his wife as she has neither been accused of a crime nor has she fled the country illegally. I hope Interpol rejects this request.

For all complaining that Ghosn is rich; I understand your point however this is an issue that impacts rich and poor as well as Japanese and non Japanese. If someone who is well of can point out the issues with the system (or injustices) and his Japanese attorneys are doing the same then maybe there can be a positive outcome or step forward (although does not seem likely).

As a long term resident in Japan who likes Japan, likes living here, has Japanese employees and several Japanese good friends, and finally intends to stay this is my desire.

11 ( +16 / -5 )

@JJ JetplaneToday  06:34 pm JST

That does not prove perjury. At best it can be construed as obstruction. Actions taken after the interrogation does not prove prior knowledge.

Ah, but it can be used as objective evidence to prove intent. Perjury is the easiest charge to get to the suspicion level. For the objective side, all you need to do is show a discrepancy between what she said and what a more credible (which is easy because she's the Defendant's wife) source said. That leaves the subjective side. A confession is best, of course, but the fact she's the wife and a little objective evidence should go a long way.

There's no need to use all the charges at once. Each only has 23 days in them. Of course you want to each one in sequence.

-5 ( +6 / -11 )

And they'll most likely get the arrest warrant too preventing her from travelling abroad for yacht shopping, but the squeaky clean and incorruptible Lebanese won't hand over their beloved fraudsters. The 2 criminals won't be able to leave the country though so that's punishment enough. Hizbullah will ruin Lebanon in the coming years anyway so they got big trouble coming their way. Good to see criminals getting what they deserve

-14 ( +5 / -19 )

Ghosn's son can be extradited from the US

Other possibility is he could be prosecuted under American laws , probably harsher than Japan's for that kind of shady deals).

6 ( +9 / -3 )

@WiseOnIn Kansai

analysis of the phone turned up evidence that Carole Nahas had demanded that an executive with the Omani subsidiary and staff at a Lebanese law office refuse to cooperate with Tokyo prosecutors.

That does not prove perjury. At best it can be construed as obstruction. Actions taken after the interrogation does not prove prior knowledge.

9 ( +11 / -2 )

I suppose that Japan doesn't really have any choice but to act outraged, and to at least go through the motions of taking whatever international legal steps are possible, but I can't imagine it's doing much for Japan's image abroad.

10 ( +16 / -6 )

Heres my piece of advice for the Japanese prosecutors "Confucius quote", when in hole stop digging. your only embarrassing your self and you prosecution service.

12 ( +19 / -7 )

Does the Japanese government desperately want to look stupid? Usually, the Koreans are good at that, now Japan joins this fools parade.

5 ( +17 / -12 )

Wakarimasen Today  04:27 pm JST

He jumped bail from an Interpol member country. I think that is all that is needed for a Red Notice. He will end up back here.

If that's what you think, then no offense, but your nickname was chosen well. Again, no offense.

Interpol only refers cases to local/regional police agencies. Lebanon and Japan have no extradition treaty, so for the local police to arrest him would be a waste of time.

3 ( +9 / -6 )

Now the character assassination of Ghosn’s wife begins. The prosecutor Saito openly accused her of bribery, witness tampering and destruction of evidence but she is only being charged with perjury. If they actually had evidence of the things he is accusing her of she’d be charged with that too! This is exactly what the prosecutors did to Carlos as well. They filled the news with tons of audacious and damaging stories but then only applied a few charges.

I’m also highly suspicious of her phone magically turning up at Ghosn’s residence after all this time. How did her phone get there? She’s been banned from seeing him for almost a year now. And her phone doesn’t have any kind of password encryption? This seems all very far fetched.

11 ( +20 / -9 )

Good to see the rich can't get away with everything.

-10 ( +9 / -19 )

Public Prosecutors Office, said Nahas, 53, may have also destroyed evidence according to Ghosn's wishes.

May have, we think, we believe, could have, we are sure, we suspect, it is possible etc. etc. These are the words that the prosecutors spout out all the time.

10 ( +16 / -6 )

she is the wife of a man who [accused] of money embezzlement.

while the real criminals and sexual offenders roaming free....

5 ( +14 / -9 )

I can see this ending up in The Hague.

It will be interesting and most embarrassing for Japan when everything that happened finally comes out

8 ( +15 / -7 )

Prosecutors accuse Ghosn's wife of perjury - Well, here is the true meaning of perjury.

the crime of telling lies in court when you have promised to tell the truth:

She wasn't a witness in a court case !

7 ( +14 / -7 )

I trust they’ll tell the Japanese government to get lost.

6 ( +14 / -8 )

vic.MToday  05:45 pm JST

https://japantoday.com/category/crime/arrest-warrant-issued-in-japan-for-carlos-ghosn%27s-wife

In a statement, prosecutors said they had obtained the warrant on suspicion she made false statements during April testimony to the Tokyo district court about meetings with an unnamed individual.

And it seems they found more dirt than that - refer to Mainichi report.

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20200110/p2a/00m/0na/014000c

1 ( +7 / -6 )

A red notice for perjury? Is that a joke? There are over 7000 current red notices and not a single one is for such an minor crime.

I thought perjury pertained only in an official court case. I understand she went voluntarily to speak to the prosecutors. How can it be classed as perjury ? Of course we are not told what the supposed lies are according to the prosecutors.

8 ( +12 / -4 )

The timing of this demonstrates without doubt the political nature of the Japanese prosecutor's office. Not only did they have no interest in the arrest of Carole Ghosn before, but they also know that they have no chance of getting her extradited - it is nothing more than a childish retaliation. The Japanese people should be ashamed of their establishment.

I have never maintained that Ghosn is innocent, but always that I would have no faith in a guilt verdict either - he did the right thing to escape from this corrupt system.

12 ( +20 / -8 )

Photo caption.

Guard: "Stick with me here. I'll protect you."

Carole: (thinks) Mmmm... my type of guy.

-1 ( +6 / -7 )

Perjury usually carries a sentence of 5 to 10 years depending how much effect it has on the case in charge.

In Japan there are no law against conspiracy but she is alleged to have done some money laundry which means she is an accomplice.

Ghosn's son can be extradited from the US if Japan finds them also as an accomplice since Japan does have a formal extradition treaty with the United States.

9 ( +13 / -4 )

The dumb just got dumber

12 ( +21 / -9 )

A red notice for perjury? Is that a joke? There are over 7000 current red notices and not a single one is for such an minor crime.

Perjury shakes the core of the criminal justice system. It might not be prosecuted that often, but it is not a "minor crime". Also,

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20200110/p2a/00m/0na/014000c

-3 ( +8 / -11 )

A red notice for perjury? Is that a joke? There are over 7000 current red notices and not a single one is for such an minor crime.

11 ( +19 / -8 )

If you hadn’t slept on the job, you wouldn’t have made claims of perjury. So she’s supposed to be restricted to travel because of your incompetence?

4 ( +12 / -8 )

LOL

Just stop Japan. Other countries won’t fall for the stupidity

10 ( +20 / -10 )

"The Tokyo prosecutors' office's special investigation unit recovered Carole Nahas' mobile phone during a search of the Tokyo residence where Ghosn had been living since April 2019, after his release on bail.

......... analysis of the phone turned up evidence that Carole Nahas had demanded that an executive with the Omani subsidiary and staff at a Lebanese law office refuse to cooperate with Tokyo prosecutors."

Mainichi News

Well, they have some evidence!!

1 ( +8 / -7 )

Yakuja's should just take action on this. They are the heroes Japan need now, even if Japan don't deserve them.

-13 ( +6 / -19 )

..and how will he end up back here when Lebanon has a policy of not allowing extradiiton of its own citizens? Adding on the fact that there is no treaty with Japan!

8 ( +14 / -6 )

She was banned from meeting with Carlos while he was out on bail because she was seen as someone who might help his escape so this is their argument. Pathetic!

12 ( +21 / -9 )

Prosecutors already have asked USA to check the 2 sons of Ghosen living there. They seem to think it is a crime if family has them any money in the past. They have nothing on Carlos and were counting on another year of delays to break him and confess.

14 ( +22 / -8 )

The issue with red notices are that they are not enforceable and are merely a soft request to a country that is a member of interpol.

For them to want a foreign government to arrest an innocent woman that wasn't on trial or suspected of any wrongdoing they will need evidence that leaves no doubt.

17 ( +24 / -7 )

Damn.... I once met Carlos Ghosn years ago, I'm starting to fear for my safety!

16 ( +22 / -6 )

He jumped bail from an Interpol member country. I think that is all that is needed for a Red Notice.  He will end up back here.

-29 ( +6 / -35 )

Watch this interview of Mr. Ghosn:

france 24: Listen the comment from 3:55

https://www.france24.com/en/middle-east/20200109-live-carlos-ghosn-speaks-to-france-24-in-beirut

Fox business: Listen the comment from 9:00

https://www.foxbusiness.com/markets/ghosn-speak-out-japan-arrest

6 ( +9 / -3 )

Really have laugh out load about the prosecutors actions next a red notice for his children and their children, and their children. Meanwhile prosecutors scuffle for the next promotion spot. Not really any justice in their sights.

19 ( +27 / -8 )

This is just japanese way, bad brianless japanese way. With this action, the poor low level japanese showed to the world, what level they are at. Below the lowest level ???.

19 ( +30 / -11 )

What is this, the mafia now?

21 ( +27 / -6 )

Sounds really petty!

23 ( +31 / -8 )

"alleged perjury" and "is suspected to"

Is that all you need for interpol to issue a red notice or am I missing something ?

29 ( +37 / -8 )

Embarrassing and nauseating

29 ( +39 / -10 )

It took them 9 months to issue the arrest warrant, which just happens to coincide with Ghosn's escape from injustice? This is just as bad as Ghosn being rearrested the day before he was due to give a press conference. These Japanese prosecutors think they are being clever, but they are only making themselves look even more foolish and corrupt.

36 ( +48 / -12 )

I've been in Japan so long, I've forgotten how security guards outside Japan are young, muscular, tall, menacing-looking men! Not a glow-stick nor fancy epaulettes to be seen!

30 ( +36 / -6 )

LOL! Petty incompetent Japanese prosecutors!

33 ( +44 / -11 )

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