Ghosn to appear in Tokyo court within 5 days, report says

TOKYO — Ousted Nissan Chairman Carlos Ghosn is set to appear in a Tokyo court within five days after he requested an open hearing to hear the reason for his detention, Japan’s national public broadcasting organization NHK reported. It would be Ghosn’s first public appearance since he was arrested on Nov. 19 on allegations of financial misconduct. He has been detained since then and also been re-arrested over further allegations. Ghosn filed a request with the Tokyo District Court on Friday and the court is required to hold a hearing within five days, NHK reported. The court confirmed they had received the request, and said the date of the disclosure in court is yet to be decided. NHK said Ghosn intended to appear, citing his lawyer. Ghosn denies the allegations against him, local media has said. Earlier this week, the Tokyo District Court approved an extension to Ghosn’s detention until Jan. 11. Prosecutors have accused him of transferring personal trading losses to Nissan, but are yet to indict him on this allegation. In Japan, indictment paves the way for prosecutors to lay formal charges. If proven, each of Ghosn’s alleged offenses may carry a sentence of as much as 10 years, prosecutors have said. Nissan has also accused Ghosn of misusing company funds, including over homes from Brazil to Lebanon and hiring his sister on an advisory contract. Nissan has also been indicted over under-reporting Ghosn’s income. Former Nissan executive Greg Kelly has been released on bail after the court ruled against extending his detention while he awaits trial. He is alleged to have helped Ghosn under-report his compensation from the carmaker by tens of millions of dollars, a charge he denies. Ghosn’s arrest has strained Nissan’s ties with partner Renault, where he still remains chairman and CEO. His arrest came after a months-long investigation by Nissan into his conduct, a probe that was largely kept from Renault. That lack of transparency and concern that Nissan will use Ghosn’s absence to push for more power within the alliance has heightened tensions between the two automakers. Bloomberg contributed to this report