Former U.S. Ambassador to Japan William Hagerty on Wednesday accused Japan of what he called an "inhumane" justice system, citing the ongoing case of a former Nissan Motor Co. executive who was arrested along with his boss Carlos Ghosn in 2018 in Japan over financial misconduct allegations.
Hagerty, now a Senator representing Tennessee, highlighted the plight of Greg Kelly, who is currently on trial in Japan, during a confirmation hearing for U.S. Ambassador to Japan nominee Rahm Emanuel. Kelly, who is from the southern state, has pleaded not guilty.
Noting that Kelly's defense attorneys plan to present their closing arguments next week, Hagerty emphasized it took "35 months to get to this point" since the arrest. He also said a verdict is not expected until next March for "reasons that defy logic."