Professor Liao Fan Interviewed by CGTN on the Ghosn Case

On January 12, 2020, Professor Liao Fan, a research fellow and the head of Department of Research Coordination and International Cooperation of CASS Institute of International Law, was interviewed by China Global TV Network (CGTN) program Zoom in with Zou Yue on legal issues relating to the escape of Mr. Carlos Ghosn, the Ex-Nissan Chairman, from Japan to Lebanon.

With respect to Ghosns denial of all the charges against him and his claim that the whole case is a conspiracy against him, Professor Liao held that, although the fact of the case still needs to be revealed, this does not affect the nature of Ghosns escape during his bail, which not only broke his own promise, but also was an abuse and a mockery of the bail system and the judicial system.

With respect to the prospect of the Ghosn case, Professor Liao pointed out that, although Japan is considering requesting the extradition of Ghosn from Lebanon, the actual possibility of extradition is small. Firstly, there is no extradition agreement between Japan and Lebanon. As a result, the extradition of Ghosn entirely relies on the negotiation between Japan and Lebanon on this specific case, which is faced with many difficulties and would usually take a very long time; Secondly, Lebanon, like many other countries, adheres to the principle of non-extradition of its own nationals. Ghosn has a Lebanese passport and therefore is a Lebanese national. As to whether Lebanon itself will persecute and try Ghosn, Professor Liao held that, according to the principle of ratione personae, Lebanon has the jurisdiction over the crimes committed by Ghosn outside the country, but whether it will actual hold the trial involves many factors and further observation is needed.

 

 

The following is a video link to the interview: 

http://iolaw.cssn.cn/rdsp/202001/t20200113_5075665.shtml