Former Nissan chief Carlos Ghosn left his Tokyo detention centre Wednesday after more than 100 days in custody, following a shock court decision granting him bail of one billion yen (USD 9 million).
Ghosn left the detention centre in northern Tokyo flanked by guards, wearing a blue cap, a white medical face mask and a work jacket with orange reflective stripes.
Unrecognisable from the tycoon who dominated the auto sector for decades, Ghosn's outfit was a far cry from his usual sharp suits and caught the waiting pack of the world's media off guard.
Without acknowledging the banks of cameras snapping wildly, he drove off in a silver van -- a Suzuki -- complete with a workman's ladder strapped to the top.
Ghosn's unexpected outfit was the latest surprise in a case that has provided frequent twists and turns that kept Japan and the business world on tenterhooks.
The man who once stood at the head of the world's top-selling car alliance paid his hefty bail bond "in cash," according to the Tokyo District Court.
Throughout his more than three months in custody, Ghosn, 64, has loudly proclaimed his innocence, stressing in a recent statement he was "totally committed to vigorously defending" himself against "meritless and unsubstantiated accusations."
French Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire said it was "a good thing that Carlos Ghosn can defend himself freely and without restriction."
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