International media gathers on 21 December 2018 to film Carlos Ghosn’s release from Kosuge prison.
They had not anticipated the prosecutors’ careful strategy, which involved taking advantage of that day to extend Carlos Ghosn’s custodial stay by bringing forward a third charge.
By orchestrating a drip feed of accusations, Japanese prosecutors create a deliberate plot to destroy Carlos Ghosn’s reputation.
A broad group of commentators across the world condemns a blatantly unfair judicial system.
But nothing seems to help: prosecutors now suspect Carlos Ghosn of misuse of company assets and wish to investigate financial transfers dating back to October 2008 that they see as suspicious.
The direct consequence for Carlos Ghosn is a further 10 days in custody, even though the day before, the Japanese judge had announced that he did not plan to extend Carlos Ghosn or Greg Kelly’s detention.
The case therefore takes a new turn and prosecutors now target specifically Carlos Ghosn, who still has Renault’s support. A former prosecutor warns against the approach of the prosecutor’s office, which paints the whole Japanese legal system in a terrible light in the eyes of the world.
In the very last days of December, a new development: Greg Kelly is released on bail upon payment of 70 million yens (around €570,000). This is despite prosecutors objecting to Greg Kelly’s release, which the judge dismissed.
This deliberate targeting of Carlos Ghosn leads his supporters to step up their efforts to get him out of prison and to enforce his basic rights.