The Tokyo District Court approved bail for Carlos Ghosn, the former Nissan Motor chairman, on Tuesday, but prosecutors immediately filed an appeal to block his release after 100 days in detention. The court set his bail at 1 billion yen ($9 million), a record for Japan, following assurances from his legal team that he would comply with strict surveillance measures.
Ghosn, 65, faces charges of underreporting $82 million in compensation to Nissan over nearly a decade and aggravated breach of trust. If convicted, he could receive up to 10 years in prison. His defense team argues the allegations stem from internal corporate conflicts, particularly with Nissan executives opposing his Renault alliance strategy.
Prosecutors contend Ghosn should remain jailed pending trial, citing concerns about his potential flight risk. The appeal could delay his release, as the court may reconsider the decision later Tuesday. A previous high-profile bail of 1 billion yen in 2005 was paid by a businessman later convicted of fraud.
The case has drawn global scrutiny of Japan’s criminal justice system, which allows prolonged pretrial detention and restricts defense lawyers during interrogations. Ghosn’s legal team, led by attorney Junichiro Hironaka, has criticized the system, while his French lawyers alleged rights violations during his detention.
Ghosn, who spent over three months in a 4.8-square-meter cell, expressed hope to defend himself in court. His new legal strategy includes challenging the prosecution’s evidence and leveraging international pressure. The case has sparked debates about judicial transparency and corporate power dynamics in Japan.
Public opinion and international attention reportedly influenced the court’s decision. Legal experts noted the case could prompt reforms in Japan’s judicial procedures, which historically favor prosecutors and limit defendant rights.
