The ongoing detention of Tigran Gambaryan, a prominent American employee of Binance, has raised significant concerns regarding human rights and legal practices in Nigeria. His wife, Yuki Gambaryan, recently issued a heartfelt video statement urging for his immediate release, highlighting the dire situation her husband faces after months of imprisonment.
In her moving appeal, Yuki expressed the emotional toll of their separation: “It has been six months since I last saw my husband, since our children last held their father’s hand.” This statement illustrates not only the personal anguish faced by their family but also raises questions about the conditions under which Gambaryan is being held. His current state of health is alarming, with Yuki informing the public that he is suffering from severe health issues that have left him unable to walk. “His health is deteriorating to the point where he can no longer walk,” she stated, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
Tigran Gambaryan, who previously served as an agent for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and is now the head of financial crime compliance at Binance, was detained in February during a visit to Nigeria, which was reportedly at the invitation of the Nigerian government. Initially, Gambaryan and another Binance executive, British-Kenyan Nadeem Anjarwalla, found themselves under house arrest without clear charges or explanations. The circumstances surrounding their detention raise significant concerns about the transparency and fairness of the legal process in Nigeria.
After Anjarwalla managed to escape in March, Gambaryan was transferred to Kuje prison, a facility known for its harsh conditions and dangerous environment. There, he has been subjected to numerous health challenges, including bouts of malaria and pneumonia, which have taken a severe toll on his well-being. The conditions within Kuje prison, which also houses members of the Boko Haram terrorist group, are notoriously brutal and have contributed to Gambaryan’s declining health.
– In May, Gambaryan collapsed in court due to malaria.
– By June, he was seen being wheeled into court, unable to walk.
– Reports indicate that he suffers from chronic pain due to a herniated disc, further complicating his medical condition.
Despite a court order to provide him with adequate medical care and access to his legal team, prison officials have reportedly denied him these basic rights. His family claims that they have been unable to obtain his medical records, which adds another layer of distress to an already dire situation. Yuki has now publicly stated that Gambaryan requires immediate medical treatment to prevent “permanent damage.”
This case has garnered attention from various members of the U.S. Congress, including Representative French Hill (R-Ark.) and Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-Penn.), who visited Gambaryan in prison in June. They have called for his immediate humanitarian release, urging the U.S. government to intervene. In the same month, a bipartisan group of lawmakers wrote to President Joe Biden, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and the Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs, Roger D. Carstens, requesting that Gambaryan’s situation be treated as a hostage crisis.
Despite these efforts, the U.S. government has remained largely silent on Gambaryan’s case. In March, the State Department acknowledged reports of his detention but has not mentioned him by name. A White House spokesperson later redirected inquiries to the State Department, leaving many questions unanswered. The lack of a robust response raises concerns about the U.S. government’s commitment to protecting its citizens abroad, particularly in cases involving potential human rights violations.
In her emotional video message, Yuki Gambaryan implored those in power to take action: “For six months, my life – my living nightmare – has been filled with pleas. Pleas to the Nigerian government. Pleas to the U.S. government. Pleas to the media. Pleas to anyone who will listen.” Her words highlight the desperation felt by families of detainees who often find themselves navigating complex legal and political landscapes in hopes of securing their loved ones’ freedom.
As this situation unfolds, it raises critical questions about international human rights, the treatment of detainees, and the responsibilities of governments to their citizens. Yuki’s final plea resonates with urgency: “Please help me bring my husband home.” It is a call that demands attention, compassion, and immediate action from both the Nigerian authorities and the U.S. government.