On March 4, some of Carlos Ghosn’s French lawyers referred the case to the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention. The purpose is to draw the attention of independent experts who can act as moral guarantors. Behind this referral is an action by Carlos Ghosn’s family, who believe his presumption of innocence has been completely flouted. This has shed further light on the Japanese hostage justice system.
An action that has given Carlos Ghosn the opportunity to thank his supporters:
« I am extremely grateful for my family and friends who have stood by me throughout this terrible ordeal. I am also grateful to the NGOs and human rights activists in Japan and around the world who fight for the cause of presumption of innocence and a fair trial. I am innocent and totally committed to vigorously defending myself in a fair trial against these meritless and unsubstantiated accusations ».
On Monday March 4, 2019, all eyes are on Japan, where Carlos Ghosn’s release has never been more imminent. In a press conference, his lawyers, led by Junichiro Hironaka, declared themselves confident that the next day, the judge would approve the third bail request filed a few days earlier.
The lawyers have provided very little detail on the new guarantees presented in the margin of this bail request. It has come to light that Carlos Ghosn agreed to video surveillance, a new guarantee since the judge had previously expressed his concerns regarding Carlos Ghosn’s ability to escape or destroy evidence.
He also has to turn in his passports and cannot travel abroad. The use of a mobile phone is restricted and access to the Internet is only permitted at his lawyers’ offices.
The following day, on March 5, 2019, the judge announced that Carlos Ghosn’s request for release on bail had been accepted. The prosecutors tried, in vain, to formulate an appeal, but it was rejected.
Former Nissan chairman posted a high bail of one billion yen (nearly 8 million euros).
Although it represents an important victory for Carlos Ghosn, it does not detract from the fight against the Japanese judicial system and the international mobilization it generates, or from the willingness of the former chairman to prove his innocence and restore his reputation.