Tigran Gambaryan, a Binance executive, is in dire need of urgent medical attention as his health deteriorates while being held in a Nigerian prison. Detained since April 2024 on money laundering charges, Gambaryan’s condition has worsened due to a lack of proper medical care, leading to his wife’s public plea for intervention. Despite a court order for medical records release, Nigerian authorities have yet to comply, raising concerns about his survival.
Points
- Health Crisis: Tigran Gambaryan, a Binance executive, is in critical condition in a Nigerian prison, requiring urgent medical surgeries.
- Lack of Medical Care: Gambaryan’s health has worsened significantly, with Nigerian authorities delaying necessary medical treatment.
- Legal and Diplomatic Challenges: Despite a court order, Gambaryan’s medical records have not been released, and U.S. lawmakers are urging for intervention.
Tigran Gambaryan, a U.S. citizen and senior executive at Binance, is facing a severe health crisis while detained in Nigeria’s Kuje prison. Gambaryan has been held since April 8, 2024, on charges of money laundering, which he and Binance have denied. Initially in good health, his condition has rapidly deteriorated due to inadequate medical care in the prison, leading to serious concerns about his well-being.
According to his wife, Yuki Gambaryan, Tigran is now bedridden, wheelchair-bound, and at serious risk of developing life-threatening complications, including blood clots. His condition requires multiple urgent surgeries, particularly for a herniated disc, but the necessary medical care has been delayed or denied by the Nigerian authorities.
Worsening Health and Legal Obstacles
The situation took a grave turn after a court hearing on July 16, 2024, in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, where Tigran was visibly in poor health. Following the hearing, the court adjourned until October 11, leaving Tigran in a state of uncertainty without access to the required medical treatments. His legal team has been unable to visit him since July 26, further complicating efforts to secure his release or improve his conditions.
Adding to the challenges, the prison authorities have not complied with a court order to release Tigran’s medical records, which are crucial for arranging proper treatment. Despite the court’s directive, there has been no progress, and his condition continues to worsen, leading his family to fear for his life.
The prison environment has exacerbated Tigran’s health issues, with poor living conditions contributing to repeated throat infections and pneumonia. The stress of his detention and the lack of medical care have left him in a precarious state, with his wife describing the situation as increasingly desperate.
Calls for International Intervention
The plight of Tigran Gambaryan has caught the attention of U.S. lawmakers, who are now calling for urgent intervention. Members of the U.S. Congress have urged President Joe Biden to take immediate action to secure Tigran’s release and return to the United States. Despite these efforts, the Nigerian authorities have been slow to respond, raising concerns about his survival.
Justice Nwite, the judge overseeing the case, expressed frustration with the Nigerian prison authorities for their failure to produce Tigran’s medical test reports, which are essential for evaluating his condition and determining the necessary treatment. The ongoing delays and lack of compliance with court orders have only added to the urgency of the situation.
The Gambaryan family is now making a public plea for international help, hoping that increased awareness and pressure will lead to swift action. With Tigran’s health deteriorating rapidly, time is of the essence, and the family fears that without immediate medical intervention, the situation could become fatal.
###解説
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Human Rights Concerns: Tigran Gambaryan’s case highlights serious human rights issues within the Nigerian prison system, particularly the lack of adequate medical care for detainees. The failure to provide timely treatment for life-threatening conditions violates international human rights standards and raises questions about the treatment of foreign nationals in Nigerian custody.
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Diplomatic Tensions: The involvement of U.S. lawmakers and the potential for diplomatic intervention underscore the international implications of this case. If the Nigerian authorities continue to delay necessary medical care, it could strain diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the United States, potentially leading to broader consequences.
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Legal and Ethical Implications: The legal obstacles faced by Tigran Gambaryan’s legal team, including the refusal to release medical records, reflect broader issues within the Nigerian judicial system. The case highlights the challenges of securing fair treatment for detainees and the ethical responsibilities of authorities to ensure the well-being of individuals in their custody.