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In response to the detention of Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan in Nigeria, a group of U.S. lawmakers has urged President Joe Biden to expedite his release. Gambaryan has been held in Nigeria for over three months on allegations of money laundering and tax evasion, charges which the lawmakers assert are unfounded and a means to pressure Binance.
The appeal for intervention was formalized in a letter dated June 4, addressed to President Biden, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs Roger Carstens. The letter was signed by 12 lawmakers, including Rich McCormick, Michael T. McCaul, Barry Loudermilk, Austin Scott, and Keith Self. They argued that Gambaryan, a U.S. citizen, is being wrongfully detained under coercive tactics and requested that his case be transferred to the Office of the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs.
Gambaryan’s arrest occurred in February, alongside Nadeem Anjarwalla. While Anjarwalla escaped to Kenya, Gambaryan has remained incarcerated at the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja. His detention has been marred by harsh conditions, and his health has deteriorated significantly, evidenced by his collapse in a Federal High Court in Abuja during his trial.
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The lawmakers expressed grave concerns over Gambaryan’s well-being, highlighting the severe conditions in Kuje prison. They emphasized the urgency of intervention to ensure his safety and health, fearing that his life is at risk. They implored swift action from the U.S. government to secure his release before the situation worsens.
Overall, the lawmakers’ letter portrays Gambaryan’s detention as unjust and calls for immediate diplomatic efforts to secure his release, stressing the severity of his health condition and the harsh conditions of his imprisonment.