By Bassam Zaazaa Beirut

Special to Arab News

Arab News has spoken to Lebanese citizens to get their reactions toward the arrival in their country of former Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn, who fled Japan while on bail, dodging ongoing legal action over alleged corruption during his tenure.

“His whole world of fame collapsed once he was detained over legal action in Japan. That by itself smears his reputation, and doesn’t introduce him as an upright and uncorrupted person,” said businessman Rabih Ayoub.

“Had he been honest and straightforward, he wouldn’t have escaped in that controversial manner and landed in Lebanon.”

On Dec. 30, Ghosn — a Brazilian-born French businessman of Lebanese ancestry — arrived in Lebanon on a private jet that was said to have flown in from Turkey.

“I believe that Ghosn was abetted in his escape, brought to Lebanon to be named a minister in the upcoming Cabinet and be provided political immunity,” said Adnan Al-Hakim, who is part of the protest movement against corruption that has been ongoing since October. Al-Hakim expressed his belief that Ghosn’s immunity was paid for.

But HR specialist Ibrahim Farran said Ghosn is a great asset due to his success as CEO of various multinational companies.

“He held great standards in the shifting of the world economy,” said Farran, who also cited Ghosn’s “contribution to the evolution of the car industry. His success stood out in every major company he managed.”

Banker Rana Arbid praised Ghosn’s global success, saying the 65-year-old has the necessary “knowhow” in the world of business. She added that pioneers such as Ghosn make her proud of her Lebanese nationality.

Social media specialist Omar Turk said it is too soon to judge whether Ghosn is corrupt because his trial remains pending.

“One can’t assume that Ghosn is guilty yet, based on the formula ‘innocent until proven guilty’,” said Turk.