Ghosn to appear in court: what happens next?

Ghosn was initially held until December 10 as prosecutors investigated the first allegation against him. They then formally charged him, kicking off a two-month period of pre-trial detention that is renewable.

But prosecutors also simultaneously re-arrested him on the second set of allegations, restarting the 22-day clock.

A court rejected a further extension of that set — raising the possibility of Ghosn’s release on bail — but in another twist, prosecutors slapped the tycoon with a third set of allegations, restarting the whole process.

The case has sparked criticism of the Japanese legal system, especially from overseas.

– What happens next? –

The detention period for the third allegation against Ghosn expires on January 11, by which time prosecutors must decide whether to charge him, re-arrest him on new allegations or allow him to apply for bail.

Even if prosecutors do not level new allegations, the former Nissan chief could remain in jail in pre-trial detention.

If prosecutors charge him with either of the outstanding allegations that would also restart the pre-trial detention clock.

If no new allegations are levelled against Ghosn he could apply for bail. His alleged accomplice and former right-hand man at Nissan, Greg Kelly, successfully won bail on December 25 on the condition he stays in Japan.