Detained American Binance Executive Tigran Gambaryan’s Struggle in Nigeria
American Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan, who has been detained in Nigeria since February, faced a challenging day in court as he had to be wheeled in on a wheelchair due to a herniated disc in his back. His deteriorating health has been a major concern for his family.
Gambaryan was initially under house arrest but was later moved to Kuje prison after his colleague escaped. The conditions in Kuje prison, known for holding dangerous criminals, have taken a toll on Gambaryan’s well-being. He has been dealing with health issues such as malaria, double pneumonia, and numbness in his foot.
Despite the tax evasion charges being dropped, Gambaryan still faces money laundering accusations in Nigeria. His trial has been adjourned to October, leaving him in a precarious situation in prison.
Appeals for Help
Gambaryan’s wife, Yuki, expressed her distress over her husband’s deteriorating health and urged Nigerian authorities to release him on humanitarian grounds. She emphasized his innocence and the toll the situation has taken on their lives.
The Biden Administration has faced criticism for not taking more action to assist Gambaryan. Members of Congress, including Rep. French Hill and Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, have visited Gambaryan in prison and advocated for his release due to the poor conditions and his health.
Call for Intervention
Efforts have been made to bring attention to Gambaryan’s case, including letters from members of Congress to President Biden and other officials, urging them to treat Gambaryan’s situation as a hostage scenario. The State Department and the White House have been called upon to intervene and help secure Gambaryan’s release.
Without urgent intervention, Gambaryan is at risk of prolonged detention in Kuje prison. His health continues to deteriorate, and the uncertainty surrounding his trial adds to the distress faced by his family.