Detained binance Exec Submits New Bail Application Citing Health Concerns
binance executive Tigran Gambaryan, who has been under detention in Nigeria since February, recently submitted a new bail application based on medical reasons. However, his request has faced opposition from the lawyers representing Nigeria’s economic crimes agency, as reported by Gambaryan's family.
At the onset of the week, court proceedings for Gambaryan's case resumed in Abuja. Gambaryan's legal team highlighted the deteriorating conditions at Kuje prison, where he is currently held. Due to these conditions, they have encountered obstacles in meeting him adequately to prepare for the trial, according to a statement from Gambaryan's family.
The family expressed deep concerns over Gambaryan's health conditions, including a herniated disc in his back, as well as recurring issues with pneumonia, malaria, and tonsillitis.
Gambaryan and another binance executive, Nadeem Anjarwalla, were detained by Nigerian authorities after being summoned to discuss the operations of the exchange in the country. This action was part of Nigeria's broader crackdown on crypto exchanges, alleging that they were contributing to the devaluation of the local currency and enabling illicit financial activities.
binance Exec Detention Raises Human Rights Concerns
In a previous development, Gambaryan's initial bail application was rejected by the court in May following money laundering charges totaling over $35 million, also involving Anjarwalla and binance.
The detention of Gambaryan has sparked outrage from his family and binance officials, who have criticized the situation as unjust. This has raised significant concerns regarding human rights and adherence to the rule of law.
binance's CEO Richard Teng recently appealed to the Nigerian government to release Gambaryan on humanitarian grounds to allow him to receive necessary medical treatment in the United States.
Gambaryan's Struggles in Court Amid Pleas for Medical Attention
Gambaryan's family revealed that he was denied the use of a wheelchair to access the court during the recent proceedings, leading him to rely on crutches, causing visible signs of distress and pain, including crying in court.
Despite providing medical records indicating an urgent need for surgery, Nigeria's prosecutor opposed Gambaryan's bail application, asserting that he is not in urgent need of medical attention. However, crucial medical documents like an MRI scan were allegedly missing from the file, according to the family.
Gambaryan pleaded with the judge, emphasizing the inadequate medical care he receives in prison, alongside being deprived of essential rights such as meeting with legal counsel and embassy representatives. Eventually, the judge ordered that he be allowed to use a wheelchair.
Gambaryan's wife, Yuki Gambaryan, called on the US Government to take necessary action to secure the release of her husband, stressing the urgent need to address his deteriorating health condition and the ongoing denial of his rights.
The situation surrounding Gambaryan's detention in Nigeria continues to draw attention to the intersection of legal proceedings, human rights issues, and the need for transparent and humane treatment of individuals in custody.
