Beirut, Jan 8 (IANS): Former Nissan chief Carlos Ghosn on Wednesday made his first appearance since skipping bail in Japan and fleeing to Lebanon, the media reported.

Ghosn was arrested in Japan in November 2018 on charges of financial misconduct, including improperly reporting his compensation.

In a press conference in the Lebanon capital, he defended his decision to flee from Japan.

He claimed there was "collusion" between Nissan and Japanese prosecutors.

Slamming Japan's justice system, the former auto executive said he has been a victim of "injustice and political persecution".

"I have not experienced a moment of freedom since November 19, 2018," he told the media persons.

"It is impossible to express the depth of the aggravation and my profound appreciation once again to be able to be reunited with my family and loved ones," Ghosn said.

He also said that he did not escape the country but "injustice and political persecution", adding there was no other choice than protecting himself and his family.

Criticising his treatment by the prosecutors, Ghosn recalled what he was told: "It will be over if you just confess. If you don't confess, not only are we going to go after you, we are going to go after your family."