Kelly: Ghosn's second-in-charge now first in firing line

Greg Kelly, a former close colleague of Carlos Ghosn, said he was "shocked" at the flight from Japan of the ex-Nissan boss and worries it could hamper his own battle against financial misconduct charges.

The softly-spoken American, 63, gave a rare interview to AFP as he awaits trial in Tokyo, confiding his surprise at Ghosn's sudden escape to Lebanon and his fears that he will not receive a fair hearing.

"I was completely surprised. I had no idea that would happen," Kelly said.

"I was shocked."
"If the leading witness isn't there, how do you really try this case in a logical way?"
"I'm not the type of person that's going to bang on the door and yell and scream or anything like that."
"For me, this could be resolved within Nissan. If it's an error about reporting something that was never agreed and never paid...," he said, tailing off and adding: "But you know, I'm caught in the system right now so..."