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Binance has escalated its call to Nigerian authorities for the release of Tigran Gambaryan, a former US federal agent and Binance employee, who has been detained since February 26, 2024. Today marks six months since his arrest, and Binance is raising serious concerns about his deteriorating health and lack of access to legal and medical support.
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According to Binance’s statement, Gambaryan is suffering from severe health issues while in detention. He has been denied access to adequate medical care for a herniated disc in his back, which has left him unable to walk. Bed-bound and taking blood thinners to prevent clots, Gambaryan’s condition has worsened to the point where his muscles have atrophied, according to the prison doctor.
The statement also highlights that from July 26 to August 14, Gambaryan’s lawyers were barred from visiting him to prepare for his trial. After a brief five-minute visit on August 15, they were again denied access. Binance argues that this violates Gambaryan’s rights under the Nigerian constitution, which guarantees access to legal representation. Furthermore, the US Embassy has reportedly been unable to visit Gambaryan because he is not permitted to use a wheelchair and cannot physically reach the visitor area.
Next court date is not until September 2
The court handling Gambaryan’s case went into recess on July 16. Although a special hearing during the recess was approved, the next court date is not until September 2. During his detention, Gambaryan has missed significant family milestones, including his son’s 5th birthday, his own 40th birthday, his wife’s birthday, and their 15th wedding anniversary.
Yuki Gambaryan, Tigran’s wife, released a video plea and a heartfelt statement calling for her husband’s release, stressing the urgent need for proper medical treatment to prevent irreversible damage. “It has been six months since I last hugged my husband and since our children last held their father’s hand,” she said. “Tigran is reaching a breaking point. He needs immediate medical treatment and risks permanent damage.”
She continued, “For six months, our living nightmare has been filled with pleas. Pleas to the U.S. government, pleas to the Nigerian government, pleas to the media, pleas to anyone who will listen. My husband is innocent and needs to be released before it is too late and the damage done to him is irreversible.”
The video can be viewed here: https://www.bringtigranhome.com/
