Ghosn: I imagined I'd leave Japan proudly, not running away

Carlos Ghosn heeded the Japanese media in Lebanon and reiterated his innocence by claiming that he possesses "abundant documents" that prove that he is not guilty of the financial irregularities on which he is accused in Japan, Kyodo reveals.

"I have evidence, I have facts, and I hope to also have witnesses talking about the collaboration between some Nissan people, prosecutors and some members of the government (from Japan) in preparing for my arrest," he said.

The former Nissan president did not specify when or where he will present the evidence. "There will probably be a trial somewhere and I will share it," he said.

As in the conference to the international media he offered on Wednesday, Ghosn refused to give the names of Japanese government officials who allegedly plotted against him to "not create more problems in Japan-Lebanon relations."

Regarding his stay in Beirut he said: "I feel in Lebanon that I can at least defend myself. That's what I want. If I can defend myself, then I can have just justice."

The executive refused to detail the circumstances of his escape from Japan, merely saying that he himself planned it, without the intervention of his family or his lawyers.

Ghosn said he never imagined he would leave Japan on the run, according to Jiji Press.

"I imagined that I would leave Japan proud of what I have done, proud of Nissan, proud of the alliance (with Renault). Unfortunately, the reality is very different. I never imagined I'd leave Japan like this."

Finally, he remarked that it has no dislike of Japan or its inhabitants. "I don't want people to think I have some kind of animosity against the country or against the (Japanese) people."

Ghosn hopes to one day have the chance to return to Japan "peacefully." (International Press)