As a seasoned researcher with a keen interest in international relations and human rights, I find the situation of Tigran Gambaryan deeply concerning. My own professional journey has led me to witness numerous instances where power dynamics can lead to the mistreatment of individuals, and this appears to be one such case.
Global leader in crypto trading, Binance, is imploring both the U.S. administration and global entities to promptly act and ensure the freedom of Tigran Gambaryan, a previous American federal officer, who’s been held in Nigeria for approximately half a year now.
On Tuesday, CEO Richard Teng publicly expressed deep worries regarding Tigran Gambaryan’s rapidly worsening health situation. He disclosed that, despite enduring intense physical suffering and being incapable of walking, Tigran has been refused medical attention and legal assistance by the Nigerian authorities.
Authorities Denied Tigran Gambaryan Access to US Consular
The head of Binance stated that the imprisonment circumstances for Gambaryan are deemed unconstitutional, not just in Nigeria, but anywhere. Moreover, a court has mandated the government to disclose Gambaryan’s medical records so they can evaluate his wellbeing.
As an analyst, I must report that unfortunately, the authorities have not complied with the court order issued in this case. Furthermore, it’s disconcerting to note that Tigran was deprived of US consular assistance last week, a privilege protected by international law.
Regardless of multiple appeals from Binance and others, the Nigerian government persists in holding Tigran, offering no clear explanations for this action.
The government is keeping him in custody, claiming that he has connections to Binance and its suspected involvement in the nation’s financial troubles, such as the weakening of the Nigerian Naira’s value.
Binance Refute Allegations of Wrongdoing
Contrarily to the claim, the exchange dismissed it as groundless and without merit. Teng detailed that during Binance’s activities in Nigeria, the value of the Naira fluctuated between 380 and 440 against the US dollar from 2021 until the end of 2022.
By the year 2023, the price soared up to 900 and has been climbing ever since. In February of the same year, Binance closed its Peer-to-Peer (P2P) service in accordance with government instructions. Surprisingly, this move did not halt the currency’s fall. Instead, the depreciation of the Naira intensified, reaching a peak of 1,660 per dollar by July 2024. This indicates that Binance’s activities had no significant impact on the currency’s devaluation.
One of the reasons given by Nigerian miners for detaining the ex-US federal agent is because they claim Binance, the company he’s associated with, operates in a virtual or online manner. During the bail application hearing, the Nigerian prosecutor argued that Gambaryan should not be granted bail as there’s a risk he might flee since he’s connected to an entity operating in the digital realm.
Officials in a West African country claim that Binance made an astonishing 26 billion dollars in the year 2023 through transactions with Nigerian cryptocurrency traders. However, it was clarified by Teng that this amount refers to the total transaction volume, rather than the actual profit or revenue earned.
A Call for Help
In light of these advancements, Binance is advocating for the U.S. administration and international bodies to exert diplomatic influence on Nigeria, aiming to secure Tigran’s release so that he can receive proper medical care in his homeland.
As a concerned researcher, I ardently believe that Tigran, an American citizen, does not deserve such unjust circumstances. It is my heartfelt wish that the U.S. government will utilize its political influence to facilitate Tigran’s swift return home. This way, he can access the necessary medical care and be reunited with his beloved family at the earliest possibility.
It’s suggested that they can declare Tigran as a “citizen unlawfully held,” which could help secure his freedom. This action is believed to be within the power of both the U.S. administration and legislators, given that there appears to be substantial proof supporting this assertion.
Binance Boss Concerned about Gambaryan’s Wellbeing
Teng voiced concerns about the long-term physical and mental effects of Tigran Gambaryan’s continued detention, warning that the situation could cause irreversible harm.
He appealed to NGOs and humanitarian organizations worldwide to join in the call for Gambaryan’s release on compassionate grounds.
“Teng expressed great worry about how the dreadful circumstances are affecting Tigran in terms of his physical health and mental well-being over the long term. He strongly recommends that the Nigerian government grant him permission to go back home so he can receive appropriate medical care, recover, and reclaim the healthy life he previously enjoyed.”
Moreover, he pointed out that Binance has encountered regulatory issues in places such as the United States, Thailand, India, and Brazil. However, it’s worth mentioning that no Binance employee was apprehended or faced accountability regarding the company’s activities.
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2024-08-27 16:44