Ex-Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn banned from living with wife as he is released on bail

Carlos Ghosn has been released on bail for a second time - but only after restrictions on contact with his wife that he described as "cruel and unnecessary".

The former Nissan and Renault boss was freed from custody after posting a 500 million yen (£3.5m) bail following his latest arrest over claims of financial misconduct, which he denies.

A Tokyo court set a new condition that he cannot meet or otherwise communicate with his wife Carole without prior permission, targeting her as someone related to the latest allegations against him, according to Mr Ghosn's legal team.

The couple will not be able to live together and a lawyer must be present when they meet.

Mr Ghosn said in a statement: "Restricting communications and contact between my wife and me is cruel and unnecessary.

"We love each other very much, she answered all of the prosecutors' questions in court, and she has done nothing wrong."

He added that he maintained his innocence and was committed to defending himself against "meritless and unsubstantiated accusations".

Mrs Ghosn had travelled to Paris earlier this month following her husband's latest arrest to appeal to the French government for help in securing his freedom - and was questioned by authorities on her return to Japan.

She is mentioned in latest allegations centring on payments by an Oman business to operations allegedly run by Mr Ghosn, which reportedly have some links to her business.

Mrs Ghosn, who is not a suspect in the case, has said that both she and her husband are innocent. She has been critical about the treatment that they have received from prosecutors.

Along with limits on contact with his wife, Mr Ghosn's bail will see his movements and communications closely monitored and restricted to prevent his fleeing the country or tampering with evidence, the Tokyo district court said.

The former car industry titan, credited with leading a turnaround in Nissan's fortunes over two decades, was first arrested in November.

Mr Ghosn, who also presided over an alliance between the Japanese car maker and France's Renault, has since been ousted from his leadership roles at both companies.

He is accused of understating his salary while leading Nissan, transferring personal financial losses to his employer, and diverting Nissan money to enrich himself.

The 65-year-old has denied all charges against him.

Mr Ghosn was initially released on a 1 billion yen (£6.9m) bail in March. This is in addition to the surety posted for his latest release.

He was re-arrested on fresh allegations on 4 April.

During his latest spell in detention, his lawyers released a video statement in which he lashed out at colleagues he accused of "backstabbing".