Tokyo Court Rejects Carlos Ghosn's Bail Plea

Carlos Ghosn is likely to remain in Japanese custody for the foreseeable future after a Tokyo court denied him bail on Tuesday despite a last-ditch personal appeal by the former Nissan boss.

The decision was expected as the court had previously judged him to be a flight risk who could potentially tamper with evidence. Even Ghosn's own lawyer has said his client will likely remain in jail until his trial.

A public pledge by the auto tycoon to stay in Japan and wear an electronic tag if necessary appears to have left the Tokyo District Court unmoved.

In a public statement on Monday, Ghosn had set out a series of steps he hoped would convince the court he was not about to flee Japan.

He vowed to hand over his three passports, wear an electronic tagging device and increased the amount of bail money offered.

Ghosn also promised to hire security guards approved by prosecutors to monitor him and said he would not contact anyone connected with the case.

However, an official at the Japanese justice ministry said: "There is no system in Japan in which a person accused in a criminal case can be released with such a tracking bracelet."

"The court sets the bail sum and can also add appropriate conditions such as limitations on where the accused should stay," added the official. (AFP)