In an interview with The Associated Press in Beirut on 23 June 2023, Carlos Ghosn defended the $1 billion lawsuit he filed against Nissan and others, calling it “extremely reasonable” in light of the suffering he endured during his arrest and detention in Japan.
He emphasized:
“If I had been an American citizen filing a lawsuit in the United States, I would not be asking for $1 billion, but for much more.”
Legal & personal context
- Ghosn spent months in solitary confinement in Japan after his arrest in November 2018. He claims he feared he would not receive a fair trial, which prompted his December 2019 escape to Lebanon.
- The lawsuit, filed in May 2023 in Beirut, seeks compensation and damages, including lost salary, retirement benefits, and stock options, totaling $1 billion.
- According to Ghosn, it was necessary to build a strong case: “It took me more than three years… based on evidence, facts, and witnesses… our intention is to win it”.
- A hearing has been scheduled for 18 September 2023 in Lebanon.
Themes from the interview
- Legal weaponization: Ghosn accused Nissan of using the Japanese justice system as a corporate weapon: “They use the legal system… to get rid of management”.
- Beginning of a broader battle: He made it clear this is only the start: “This is the beginning of the fight.”
- Trust in Lebanon’s legal system: He contrasted Japan with Lebanon, stating, “The first time I was able to express myself and defend myself was when I arrived in Lebanon.”
23 June 2023