Arab News Japan

TOKYO: A hearing scheduled for October 30 in the trial of former Nissan director Greg Kelly was cancelled, although hearings took place earlier in the week after the trial resumed Tuesday, October 27 at the Tokyo District Court. 

During the three-day hearings, the details leading up to the plea deal between the prosecution and the witness, former Nissan’s head secretary, in the fall of 2018 were revealed. 

“At that point, I realized I was targeted by the prosecution as a possible suspect, and I was advised [by a Nissan attorney] that I should make a deal [with the prosecution],” the former Nissan head secretary said.

The prosecution also attempted to establish the accuracy of their witness’ memories for some of their questions referring to incidents that happened 10 years ago.

“I refreshed my memory by email, going through exchanges I saved on my own computer. Also, I was storing all the documents I prepared for Mr. Ghosn in three plastic clear files,” the witness said.

The prosecution rested the questioning on Thursday and the cross examination by Kelly’s defense team, which consists of three attorneys, will start on Nov. 10, 2020 at the Tokyo District Court, courtroom 104.

The defense will likely focus on the accuracy of the witness’ memories and his trustworthiness.

Kelly, a US citizen and attorney, has been indicted for allegedly conspiring to conceal almost 9 billion yen ($85.9 million) in payments and retirement for his former boss, Carlos Ghosn, between 2010 and 2018.

If convicted, Kelly could face up to 10 years in prison.