Carlos Ghosn requests postponement of corruption trial in Paris

Former Renault CEO Carlos Ghosn has requested that his corruption trial in Paris be postponed. In a letter sent from Beirut, Ghosn argued that he was not properly summoned to appear and requested the court lift a French arrest warrant issued in April 2023.

Ghosn stated that his request is not a delay tactic, but an attempt to participate in the proceedings, suggesting he could appear via videoconference. He maintains that he wishes to contest the allegations against him.

The trial, scheduled to run from September 16 to 28, involves Ghosn and former French Minister Rachida Dati. The case concerns approximately 900,000 euros paid by the Renault-Nissan Alliance between 2009 and 2013. Prosecutors allege Dati engaged in illegal lobbying within the European Parliament on behalf of the automaker while serving as an MEP, a role they claim was incompatible with her status. Dati denies the allegations, asserting her work was legal legal counsel.

Both defendants face up to 10 years in prison. The Paris court is expected to rule on the requests at the start of the hearing.