Renault and the French state had cited the principle of presumed innocence in backing Mr Ghosn, while Nissan and smaller alliance partner Mitsubishi removed him as chairman. Accusations against him mounted this week, including a reported €7 million payment (Dh29.26m) from a Dutch entity named NMBV that is part of the manufacturing partnership he assembled between the three car makers.  Read more: Wife of Carlos Ghosn writes letter to draw attention to his 'harsh' treatment Nissan shows off new Leaf electric car delayed by Ghosn's arrest  Nissan chief executive Hiroto Saikawa was interviewed in the French press this week, defending his efforts to remove Mr Ghosn and seeking to downplay the portrayal of the saga as a power struggle. Mr Ghosn's arrest created a climate of suspicion between the companies. While both firms have repeatedly said they are committed to the alliance, Nissan has long been unhappy about what it considers an outsized French role in the partnership.