Tigran Gambaryan’s Trial Resumes Amid Health Concerns and Legal Disputes

The trial of Tigran Gambaryan, a Binance executive currently detained in Nigeria, resumed on September 2, 2024. The latest developments in Gambaryan’s case highlight ongoing tensions between his defense team, Nigerian authorities, and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

New Bail Motion Filed

Gambaryan’s attorneys have filed a new motion for bail, citing the executive’s worsening health. They argue that Gambaryan urgently needs medical attention, which has prompted their request for his release. However, the EFCC opposed the motion, contending that Gambaryan’s health is not as dire as claimed by his legal team.

Family spokespeople and Gambaryan’s legal representatives have raised concerns about the accuracy and completeness of the medical records provided to the court. These records, which have been delayed for months, reportedly lack critical documentation such as MRI scans, exacerbating fears about Gambaryan’s health.

Yuki Gambaryan, Tigran’s wife, expressed frustration with the Nigerian authorities’ denial of her husband’s medical issues. In a statement to Cointelegraph, she stated:

“I am also deeply concerned about recent statements from Nigerian authorities denying Tigran’s health issues. The truth is that the prison has withheld his medical records for months, and even the partial records they finally released today say that Tigran needs surgery.”

Compounding the issue, Gambaryan’s legal team has faced obstacles in accessing their client. Reports indicate that they have been denied entry to the prison or unable to meet with Gambaryan due to his deteriorating condition. This lack of access further complicates their efforts to advocate for his release.

In July, the situation intensified when a court issued an arrest warrant for Dr. Abraham Ehizojie, a medical professional at the Kuje Correctional Centre, for failing to appear in court and provide a comprehensive medical report on Gambaryan. The arrest warrant underscores the seriousness of the allegations against the Nigerian prison system regarding Gambaryan’s treatment.

Industry and Political Reactions

The deteriorating health of the Binance executive has drawn significant criticism from various quarters. Industry executives, humanitarian groups, and U.S. lawmakers have all voiced their concerns about Gambaryan’s treatment.

In response to the escalating situation, Georgia Congressman Rich McCormick has introduced a resolution urging Congress to consider Gambaryan’s detainment as a hostage situation. McCormick described Gambaryan’s detention as “wrongful” and called for the use of “all resources available” to secure his release.

The next hearing in Gambaryan’s trial is scheduled for September 4, 2024. During this session, the judge will continue to review the motion for bail and address the ongoing concerns regarding Gambaryan’s health and legal representation.

As the legal and political battles continue, the international community remains focused on the treatment and rights of Tigran Gambaryan, highlighting the broader issues of legal and humanitarian standards in detainment situations.