Ex-Nissan CEO says was under pressure in Japan probes

By Raya Shartouni

BEIRUT (AA) - Carlos Ghosn, former chief of Japanese carmaker Nissan, on Wednesday said he was subjected to pressure during interrogation in Japan.

His remarks came at his first media appearance in Beirut after his escape from Japan.

Ghosn, a Brazilian of Lebanese origin who was born in France, said he was not above the law and escaped political persecution.

He added that via this speech he was seeking to improve his image to the world and explain what happened to him.

Ghosn rebutted the accusations against him and said they did not require his arrest.

Last November, Ghosn was arrested in Japan on charges of corruption during his tenure as chairman of Nissan. Lebanese authorities announced last week he had arrived in the country "legally."

*Writing by Mahmoud Barakat