The international condemnation of the Japanese hostage justice system is exerting strong pressure on the political authorities. Both in Japan, primarily involved, and in France.
Indeed, the “homeland of human rights ” is being accused of not taking a full interest in the fate of a national.
Carole Ghosn’s appeals, combined with various intellectuals’ platforms (including an article by Philippe Riès published in the Financial Times that week) and the mobilization of international jurists and NGOs prompted President Emmanuel Macron to react.
“I was simply concerned that the fate of a French compatriot should respect the minimum of decency one is entitled to expect. I considered that the pre-trial detention period was very long and that the conditions of his detention were harsh. I have been expressing these concerns on several occasions to Prime Minister Abe”.
Emmanuel Macron – 28 January 2019
A statement that echoes several articles in the Japanese press, underlining the legal weakness of the charges against Carlos Ghosn. As explained by the Nikkei, there was no prejudice to Nissan, especially compared to the amounts mentioned in relation to the company’s turnover.
« As reported in the media, the evidence shows not criminal malfeasance, but at most lapses in judgment and corporate protocol that ultimately did not result in any actual harm to Nissan Motor or its shareholders or personal enrichment of Ghosn. »
Stephen Givens – Nikkei – 29 January 2019
All these rising voices, however, do not alter the behaviour of Japanese authorities one iota. In response to Emmanuel Macron, Japanese government spokeswoman Yoshihide Suga said:
“This is a criminal case. Investigations are conducted by fully independent units according to appropriate procedures based on decisions of a purely judicial nature.”
Japanese’s government spokesperon – 29 January 2019
All these elements were taken up by the New York Times, which expressed serious doubts about keeping Carlos Ghosn in prison.