Former Renault-Nissan chief Ghosn skips corruption trial in Paris

Former auto executive Carlos Ghosn did not appear in court in Paris at the start of his trial on corruption and influence-peddling charges, with allegations of paying €900,000 to former French Culture Minister Rachida Dati between 2010 and 2012.

Ghosn, who fled to Lebanon, faces up to 10 years in prison and heavy fines, while Dati took her place in the dock at the beginning of the trial.

The court is considering whether to proceed with the trial in Ghosn's absence or to adjourn, with the decision pending and Ghosn claiming he did not receive the summons in time.

Former car executive Carlos Ghosn, who faces charges of corruption and influence-peddling in France, did not appear in court in Paris at the start of his trial on Wednesday.

No lawyer appeared in court on behalf of the 72-year-old, who has fled to Lebanon, where he holds citizenship.

The former Renault-Nissan chief is accused of having paid €900,000 ($1 million) to the co-defendant, former French culture minister Rachida Dati between 2010 and 2012. The funds came from a Dutch subsidiary of the Renault-Nissan Alliance.

It is suspected that the payments may be linked to lobbying activities on behalf of the car manufacturer in the European Parliament. At the time, Dati was a lawmaker in the European Parliament.

Investigators have charged Ghosn with abuse of power and corruption, and Dati with accepting bribes. Both have denied the allegations. They face up to 10 years' imprisonment and heavy fines. Dati took her place in the dock at the start of the trial.

In court, the parties to the proceedings discussed whether the trial should go ahead in Ghosn's absence or be adjourned. Ghosn had requested an adjournment in a letter from his solicitors, claiming he had not received the summons to the trial in good time.

Lawyers representing anti-corruption organizations involved in the proceedings, as well as the prosecution, have demanded Ghosn be tried in absentia. A decision by the court, which was also considering separating the proceedings against Ghosn, was still pending.

The architect of the Franco-Japanese automotive alliance Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi was detained and charged in Tokyo on November 19, 2018 for breaches of stock exchange regulations.

In April 2019, he was released on bail from pre-trial detention subject to strict conditions. Ghosn then made a daring escape at the end of December, hidden in a box on a private jet via Turkey to Beirut.

Ghosn has repeatedly denied the allegations against him in Japan and accused the French authorities of a witch-hunt. He sees himself as the victim of a conspiracy to prevent Nissan from forming closer ties with Renault. Lebanon does not extradite its citizens.