Ex-Nissan chief Ghosn's health in question, post-bail press conference pending

Source: Xinhua| 2019-03-07 20:04:55|Editor: xuxin
Video PlayerClose

TOKYO, March 7 (Xinhua) -- Ex-Nissan Motor Co. Chairman Carlos Ghosn, who was released from a detention facility in Tokyo a day earlier, has not regained full health, meaning a news conference has not being scheduled, his lawyer indicated Thursday.

"His health condition has not fully recovered. I will talk with other lawyers and carefully consider the schedule of his press conference," lawyer Junichiro Hironaka told a press briefing on the matter.

Ghosn, 64, was detained at the Tokyo Detention House for 108 days since his arrest on Nov. 19.

The only time he was allowed out of the facility was when he was granted the chance to maintain his innocence at a public hearing on Jan. 8.

Hironaka has likened his lengthy incarceration as akin to being held hostage.

"I'm glad that the bail was granted. I hope this case will become the start of ending the 'hostage justice' system (in Japan)," Hironaka said.

Ghosn's bail was set at one billion yen (nine million U.S. dollars) after a request was filed with the court on Thursday last week by Ghosn's new legal team appointed in February.

It was the third attempt his team had requested bail for their client, after the first two being rejected by the court.

In Japan, a court granting bail for a defendant who denies charges happens very infrequently prior to the beginning of pre-trial proceedings to lessen points of contention.

Ghosn, previously considered a flight risk by the court, is currently under a travel ban as part of his bail agreement, to ensure he does not leave Japan.

He is also under limited video surveillance and has restricted access to the use of mobile phones and computers.

Other provisos of his bail are based around making sure Ghosn cannot tamper with evidence or contact Nissan executives or others involved in the case.

Ghosn, who holds Brazilian, French and Lebanese citizenship, left the detention facility Wednesday disguised as a worker, with his face covered by a mask.

Hironaka said the decision to try and conceal their client's identity as he left the detention facility was likely made by the lawyers with him at the time.

He added that rather than being an undignified exit for someone who has rigorously maintained his innocence, it may have been viewed by some as Ghosn showing he still has a sense of humor.

Ghosn is facing two charges of under-reporting his remuneration in Nissan's securities reports and another allegation of aggravated breach of trust. Other investigations into separate alleged financial improprieties are still ongoing.

TOP STORIES
EDITOR’S CHOICE
MOST VIEWED
EXPLORE XINHUANET
010020070750000000000000011100001378763121