As a seasoned researcher with extensive experience in international law and human rights, I find the case of Tigran Gambaryan deeply concerning. The footage of his struggle to enter the courtroom during his second bail hearing is distressing, to say the least. It is unacceptable for any individual, let alone a US federal agent and senior executive at Binance, to be subjected to such treatment.
A troubling court video depicts Tigran Gambaryan, a previous U.S. federal officer and high-ranking Binance official, imploring for assistance as he found it difficult to walk into the courtroom in Abuja, Nigeria, during his second bail hearing on August 2nd.
In a video shared on social media platform X, you can see Gambaryan, who had been refused a wheelchair before, struggling to walk using a crutch as he entered the courtroom. This was after a prison guard declined to help him, stating that he was feigning his illness.
As Gambaryan extended his hand towards the prison official for assistance, the guard instead moved back, instructing him to navigate independently, emphasizing that he was capable of walking without aid.
This Is a Show
Out of frustration, Gambaryan exclaimed that he was innocent, telling the onlookers:
“This is a show.”
According to him, the prison official was asked not to help him.
“He was advised against assisting me, claiming there were rules forbidding it – which seems absurd. I can’t help but wonder why I wasn’t allowed the use of a wheelchair in such a situation. I am merely an actor, yet here I am being treated unfairly. Why are you treating me this way?” he expressed.
Since February 2024, a Binance executive has been incarcerated in Kuje Prison due to allegations of money laundering. However, despite attempts by Binance, his legal team, and his relatives, the Nigerian government remains unwilling to grant him release.
Lately, Gambaryan’s legal representatives submitted a second plea for bail, which was reviewed on Monday in Abuja. This appeal for release was grounded on medical concerns, as they asserted that his condition had significantly worsened while he was in custody.
Based on reports from his lawyers, Gambaryan has been diagnosed with a herniated disc, causing significant difficulties in walking, and he is also grappling with serious health issues such as pneumonia, malaria, and tonsillitis.
In the course of the hearing, I advocated on behalf of Gambaryan, requesting the court for his immediate release to enable him access to critical and timely medical care.
Authorities Push Back against Bail Request
Regardless of Gambaryan’s clear health decline, Nigerian officials rejected his recent appeal for bail. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) asserted that Gambaryan was overstating his health issues and had previously declined medical care provided within the prison.
In addition to their allegations, the EFCC presented some of Gambaryan’s medical history. Crucial pieces of evidence, such as a MRI scan essential for establishing the extent of his health issue, supposedly did not appear in the records.
Gambaryan’s family and legal representatives contested the EFCC’s assertions, insisting that during his six-month imprisonment, he did not receive proper care. Moreover, they pointed out that the prison’s unwillingness to disclose his full medical records highlights the neglect he has experienced since his arrest in February.
Previously, Gambaryan’s application for bail was turned down in May. However, his legal representatives are optimistic that the court will take note of his worsening health condition and reevaluate their decision. A new hearing is set for September 4, Wednesday.
Family Urges US Government to Intervene
The emotional footage of Gambaryan’s court appearance has heightened calls for the US government to intervene in his case. His wife, Yuki Gambaryan, has publicly called on American officials to step in and secure her husband’s release before it is too late.
In a statement, Yuki expressed that the current predicament is utterly unfair to humanity. Tigran, an American citizen, is being deprived of fundamental human rights. It’s imperative for the government to intervene immediately and ensure Tigran receives urgent medical care before irreversible harm occurs.
Additionally, Yuki pointed out that Gambaryan’s contact with his lawyers and US embassy personnel has been restricted while he was in custody, making it more difficult for him to mount a defense against the accusations being leveled against him.
Previously, the CEO of Binance, Richard Teng, appealed for help as well, advocating that both the U.S. administration and global entities should get involved. Teng argued that it was unjust to hold Gambaryan responsible for any wrongdoings attributed to Binance.
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2024-09-03 13:34