The former Nissan chair Carlos Ghosn has spoken publicly for the first time since fleeing Japan.
The businessman has been holding a long and often rambling press conference in Beirut, during which he repeatedly defended himself and sharply criticised the Japanese justice system.
It comes after he secretly flew from Japan - where he faces financial misconduct charges - to Lebanon by private jet late last month.
Interpol has issued a 'red notice' for Mr Ghosn as he is wanted by Japan - although there is no extradition agreement between Beirut and Tokyo.
Mr Ghosn, who has denied the charges against him, said he was not holding the press conference to explain how he fled Japan - saying he instead wanted to 'defend himself and speak freely'.
He alleged that his "unimaginable ordeal" over the past 14 months was the result of a handful of "vindictive individuals", and launched a lengthy attack on the Japanese justice system.
He claimed: "I did not escape justice - I fled injustice and political persecution.
"I was left with no other choice but to protect myself and my family.
"It was a difficult decision, and a risk one only takes if resigned to the impossibility of an unfair trial.
"This was the most difficult decision of my life - but let us not forget that I was facing a system where the conviction rate is 99.4%".
'Travesty'
The executive described his detention as a “travesty” against human rights and dignity, and claimed he was "brutally taken" from his world.
In a move likely to provoke controversy and anger in Japan, he also compared the alleged plot against him to the Pearl Harbour attack in World War 2.
He claimed: "I didn't suspect anything... Some people ask me 'you didn't look at this, you didn't mention this, you didn't suspect this?'
"And I say 'what happened in Pearl Harbour... did you see Pearl Harbour happen?'"
Following his arrest in Japan in 2018, Mr Ghosn - once seen by many as the most powerful executive in the automotive industry - was charged with financial misconduct and other alleged offences.
He was released on bail of one billion yen (€8 million) after being detained for more than 100 days.
The Brazilian businessman had previously overseen an alliance involving Nissan, Renault and Mitsubishi and led recoveries at all three brands.
Following his arrest, Nissan and Mitsubishi's boards voted to remove Mr Ghosn from his roles.
While he initially remained in his role as Renualt boss, he resigned from the position in January 2019.
