Ghosn’s Bail Battle: The Petition Rejected, The Drama Continues
In a move that feels straight out of a courtroom thriller, a Tokyo court on Wednesday tossed out former Nissan chief Carlos Ghosn‘s plea to end his 50‑plus‑day detainment. Just a day after the high‑profile exec took the stand, shouting that every allegation was a mistake, the judges brushed him off with a concise, no‑frills sentence: the sitting lawyer’s request to lift the hold was denied.
What’s the Backstory?
- Income under‑reporting claims: Ghosn supposedly hid earnings from investors, apparently trying to dodge the fact that he “earned too much.”
- Nissan book‑shifts: He’s accused of slipping personal losses into the company’s ledger and funneling money from a Saudi businessman into Nissan’s coffers to cover those losses.
- Flight risk: The judge kept the detention in place citing that Ghosn could fly away and tamper with evidence.
Ghosn’s “Bail‑or‑Bore” Twist
During his dramatic Tuesday defense, Ghosn called the whole thing a “wrongly accused, unfairly detained” nightmare, claiming the accusations were “merit‑less” and “unsubstantiated.”
But there’s still a twist: his main lawyer, Motonari Otsuru, has been fairly realistic. He says gaining bail before trial is a steep uphill climb that could take up to six months. In short, the most likely headline—unless something extraordinary happens—is that Ghosn’s detention will keep ticking over.
What Happens Next?
Friday marks the limit of the current maximum detention period. Post‑24 hours, the ruling will either grant bail or extend the confinement. Expect the courtroom drama to stay on the agenda for the foreseeable future.
So, as planners and critics alike keep their eyes on the legal scoreboard, the 64‑year‑old former auto titan will remain in Tokyo’s prisons for now, while the headlines shake between hope and reality.
