Amid the fury and bombast, Ghosn’s case deserves proper examination

The former Renault-Nissan boss’s account of why he fled Japan will – and should – provoke sympathy

Carlos Ghosn, live from Lebanon, put on an entertaining show. There was bombast, arm-waving and undisguised fury. “My unimaginable ordeal is the result of a handful of unscrupulous, vindictive individuals,” said the former Renault-Nissan chairman, naming half a dozen Nissan executives whom he alleges plotted his downfall and arrest in Tokyo. Naturally, Ghosn wouldn’t address the most intriguing detail of how he managed to jump bail and board a private jet out of Japan. He may never provide the details.

He did, however, say this: “You can expect me to take some initiative to tell you how I’m going to clear my name, what kind of forum I’m going to use.” And also this: “I am ready to stand trial anywhere that will give me a fair trial.” Both are important promises because this extraordinary case deserves to be examined properly somewhere.

Continue reading...