The Nigerian government has responded to claims made by U.S. lawmakers regarding the health and treatment of Binance’s head of financial crime compliance, Tigran Gambaryan, who has been imprisoned in the country since February.
Key Points:
- Nigerian government denies claims of poor healthcare for imprisoned Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan
- U.S. officials, including lawmakers and former federal agents, have urged the Biden administration to intervene
- Gambaryan’s money laundering trial has been adjourned to July 1, with the Nigerian government stating the court will determine his release
Government Denies Allegations of Poor Healthcare
The Nigerian government, through a statement from the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has refuted the allegations that Gambaryan has faced poor health conditions and lack of access to adequate healthcare while in detention. The statement asserts that Gambaryan “has access to quality medical care whenever required” and that the government will ensure his “fundamental rights to lawful trial, and to quality care, including healthcare.”
U.S. Officials Urge Intervention
Several U.S. officials, including members of Congress, former federal prosecutors, and former federal agents like Gambaryan himself, have called on the Biden administration to intervene in the case. A letter from federal agents claimed that Gambaryan has been kept in “deplorable conditions” since his detention in February.
“It is worth reiterating that his detention is a court-ordered one, and only the court can alter the terms or direct his release,” the Nigerian government’s statement reads.
Binance Executive on Lawful Trial Has Access to Quality Medical Care — FG
It has become necessary for the Federal Government of Nigeria to address claims that Binance Executive, Tigran Gambaryan is being held in unsavory prison conditions in Nigeria, or that his health is… pic.twitter.com/bwZf5IHFi0
— Mohammed Idris, FNIPR (@HMMohammedIdris) June 21, 2024
Ongoing Legal Proceedings
Gambaryan’s money laundering trial has been adjourned to July 1, according to Reuters. The Nigerian government has made no indication that the political pressure from U.S. officials will affect the legal proceedings.
The Nigerian government’s response aims to address the concerns raised by U.S. officials regarding the treatment of the Binance executive, while reiterating that the legal process will proceed as scheduled.
