Tigran Gambaryan: US Congress Members Push for Release of Detained Binance Executive

US Congress members have submitted a resolution for the immediate release of Tigran Gambaryan, a detained Binance executive, in Nigeria. This article details the circumstances and congressional actions taken.

Points

• US Congress members call for Tigran Gambaryan’s immediate release.
• Gambaryan has been detained under hostile conditions in Nigeria.
• Legal and health concerns are highlighted in the congressional resolution.

On July 10, 2024, U.S. Representatives Rich McCormick and French Hill submitted a critical resolution to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, pressing for the immediate release of Tigran Gambaryan from imprisonment in Nigeria. The resolution details the alarming circumstances surrounding Gambaryan’s detention and underscores his significant contributions as a former Federal agent and current Head of Financial Crime Compliance at Binance Holdings Limited.

The resolution outlines several critical points:
– Detention under hostile conditions: Following the meetings, Gambaryan was escorted by armed guards to his hotel, forced to pack, surrender his passport, and then detained at a Nigerian Government-owned house for five days without communication with his family, company, attorneys, or the U.S. Department of State.
– Legal and health concerns: Despite a court order expiring on March 12, 2024, which should have mandated his release, Gambaryan was charged with various crimes and transferred to Kuje Prison on April 5, 2024. This prison is notorious for harsh conditions and also houses members of the terrorist group Boko Haram. Reports from the U.S. Department of State have highlighted significant human rights abuses in Nigerian prisons, including inhuman treatment and degrading conditions.
– Health decline: Gambaryan’s health has deteriorated significantly during his detention. He tested positive for malaria and has struggled to receive proper medical care, despite a judge’s order for hospital treatment. Requests for doctor visits have been slow, and during court appearances, he has been visibly unwell, collapsing on one occasion.
– Judicial irregularities: Gambaryan’s case has been fraught with legal irregularities, including lengthy delays, stalling tactics by the prosecution, and violations of due process. Despite the closure of his tax-related case and the dropping of charges by the Federal Inland Revenue Service, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission continues to pursue charges against him.
– Congressional and legal advocacy: A congressional delegation visited Gambaryan on June 20, 2024, expressing deep concern over his treatment. Despite repeated efforts, including directives from judges for the release of medical records and proper medical treatment, Gambaryan’s situation remains dire.

解説

• Immediate Release: The congressional resolution urges Nigeria to release Tigran Gambaryan immediately, emphasizing the urgent need for his freedom.
• Health and Legal Concerns: Highlighting significant health declines and legal irregularities, the resolution underscores the need for proper medical care and adherence to due process.
• US Government Involvement: The resolution calls on the US Government to utilize all available resources to secure Gambaryan’s release, including diplomatic measures.
• Human Rights: The resolution demands that Nigeria afford Gambaryan and all other political prisoners their constitutionally guaranteed due process rights and universally recognized human rights.
• Family Solidarity: Expressing sympathy for Gambaryan’s family, the resolution acknowledges the hardships faced due to his arbitrary detention and calls for immediate action to bring him home.