TOKYO (AP) – Two Americans suspected of helping former Nissan Chairman Carlos Ghosn secure a bailout and flee to Lebanon in December 2019 have been extradited to Japan.
Michael Taylor and his son Peter have been held in a Boston suburban prison since May. They were handed over to Japanese arrest on Monday and were expected to arrive in Tokyo on Tuesday.
Ghosn, led by Nissan Motor Co. for more than two decades, was arrested in 2018, and charged with failing to report future damages and breaking trust in taking away Nissan money for personal gain . He says he is innocent.
WHAT DOES THE CHAIR HAVE TO DO?
Michael Taylor, with the help of another man, George-Antoine Zayek, hid Ghosn in a large black box containing reportedly audio equipment, according to authorities. The box went through the security of an airport in Osaka, central Japan, and was loaded onto a private jet that flew Ghosn to Turkey. Peter Taylor is accused of meeting Ghosn and helping his father escape. Authorities say at least $ 1.3 million has been paid to the Taylors.
WHY ARE WE INVOLVED AND WHAT ARE WE INVOLVED NOW?
The Taylors, like other suspects, can be detained for up to 23 days without any formal charges at the Tokyo Detention Center on the outskirts of the capital and interrogated for almost hours. -every day with prosecutors, without a lawyer present. Their solicitor can visit and receive snacks and books. The retention can be extended by “backup,” if more expenses are recorded. Ghosn spent more than 100 days at the center before being released on bail. The solitary cells are simple, with Japanese-style futon mattresses. The center has an exercise area and clinic, which is different from prisons for convicted offenders.
IS THIS THE JOURNEY TO EXCELLENCE IN JAPAN?
Japanese treatment of suspects has been widely criticized as “hostile justice,” designed to force suspects to confess and often to cause false confessions. Taylors’ lawyers in the U.S. say they are concerned that they may be treated unfairly in Japan and that they will be in “mental and physical pain.” They also argue that bail is not a crime under Japanese law. That’s technically correct, but most fugitives are easily caught in Japan. Japanese prosecutors say they have enough evidence to convict the Taylors.
WHAT CAN I DO TO BE TRIAL OF?
Even after formal complaints are filed, door pre-trial sessions are closed with prosecutors and defendants before a judge usually runs for months. The media does not have access to such sessions. There are jury trials in Japan, but only for murders and other serious crimes. A panel of three judges will hear Taylors’ case in a trial that lasted months or even years. An English translation will be provided during the exam. Media coverage is permitted, but no filming or recording. If convicted, the Taylors face up to three years in prison and a fine of up to 300,000 yen ($ 2,900). They could receive a suspended sentence and not spend time. In principle, just like in the US, people are considered innocent until proven guilty. But 99% of criminal trials end in convictions.
WHY CARLOS IS GOSON AND WHAT CAN I DO?
Japan has placed Gosn on Interpol ‘s request list, but Lebanon does not have a pacification deal with Japan. Expansion from the U.S. is not uncommon, so the Taylors’ expedition for an alleged nonviolent crime reflects the determination of Japanese prosecutors to pursue the case against Gosn. Ghosn is almost certain to be expanded if he sets foot in the U.S. Greg Kelly, a former Nissan chief executive, has been tried in Tokyo on allegations that helped him report Gosn’s retaliation. Kelly, an American, says he is innocent.
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Yuri Kageyama is on Twitter https://twitter.com/yurikageyama