The family of Tigran Gamabryan, a Binance executive who has been detained by the Nigerian government, has raised serious concerns about his deteriorating health and the alleged violation of his rights as he approaches six months in custody.
Gamabryan, who has been in detention since February 26th, 2024, is reportedly suffering from severe health issues, including a herniated disc and spinal injury, which have left him unable to walk.
According to a statement released by his family on Tuesday, the prison authorities have refused to provide Gamabryan with a wheelchair, forcing him to remain bedridden. This has resulted in muscle atrophy, requiring him to take blood thinners to prevent blood clots. His condition they said, has worsened over time, and he has also suffered from malaria, double pneumonia, and now severe tonsillitis, which reportedly requires surgery.
The statement also revealed that Gamabryan’s legal team has also faced significant challenges in accessing him.
“From July 26th to August 14th Tigran’s legal team were denied entry to visit him in prison – with no explanation – which is against the Nigerian constitution and the governing laws of the prison in which he is being held.
When the team was allowed to visit him (after it was made public that they had been denied entry), they were only allowed a 5 minute visit which is insufficient time to prepare for his trial, in contravention of the Nigerian constitution (Chapter 4 section 36, subsection 6b). Since then they have been denied entry again.”
The U.S. Embassy, which has been involved in the case, no longer has access to Gamabryan due to his inability to walk to the visitor area.
His family has also expressed concern that his health will continue to deteriorate without proper medical care.
Gamabryan’s detention began under controversial circumstances. He was invited to Nigeria by the government for a meeting and was assured of his safety.
However, during the meeting, his passport was confiscated, and he was taken to a “guest house” where he was held for nearly a month before being formally charged. The Nigerian authorities initially informed the American Embassy that Gamabryan was staying at the guest house willingly.
He was eventually moved to Kuje prison after charges were brought against him by the Nigerian Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The EFCC prosecutor reportedly stated that Gmabryan was being charged because Binance operates virtually, and he was the only individual they could hold accountable.
“Tigran was invited to Nigeria by the Nigerian government for a meeting and was given assurances that he would be safe. However, during the meeting his passport was taken and he was made to pack his items from the hotel and was taken to a “guest house”.
“After he was detained by them, the Nigerian authorities told the American Embassy that Tigran was staying at the guest house willingly.
Tigran was held for almost one month in this guest house before two sets of charges were brought against him and Binance and Tigran was moved to the infamous Kuje prison. According to the Nigerian EFCC prosecutor, Tigran is being charged because, “The 1st defendant (Binance) is operating virtually. The only thing we have to hold on to is this defendant.”
In addition to the charges from the EFCC, Gamabryan was initially facing tax evasion charges brought by the Nigerian Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS). These charges were dropped on June 14th, with the FIRS agreeing to pursue the charges against Binance through a locally-appointed representative.
The trial for the remaining charges began on May 17th, with Binance offering to appoint a local representative. Cross-examination of the witnesses has started, but the court went on recess until October. However, an application to hear the case during the recess was granted, and the next hearing is scheduled for September 2nd.
Despite repeated court orders, the Nigerian authorities have refused to release Gamabryan’s medical records to his legal team and the U.S. Embassy. In response, the judge presiding over the case issued a bench warrant for the arrest of the Nigerian prison doctor.
Gamabryan has reportedly missed several significant milestones while in detention, including his son’s 5th birthday, his own 40th birthday, and his upcoming 15th wedding anniversary.
His family continues to plead for his release, citing the severe toll his detention has taken on his health and the violation of his legal rights.
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