U.S. Lawmaker French Hill Demands Release Of Detained Binance Executive After Shocking Video

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Julia Smith

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Julia Smith

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Julia is an experienced editor with a passion for covering a wide variety of beats. She loves all things politics and regularly covers regulatory updates on emerging technology here for Crypto News.

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Last updated:

September 6, 2024 12:03 EDT

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U.S. Congressman French Hill (R-AR) called on the Nigerian government on September 4 to release detained Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan after a disturbing video surfaced.

The video, taken during a court appearance in Abuja, shows Gambaryan visibly struggling with his health, sparking concern over his detainment since February.

Rep. French Hill Calls For Release Of Binance Executive

“This is outrageous,” Hill posted to X in response to the footage. “It’s clear Tigran’s condition is rapidly deteriorating – the Nigerian government must release him immediately.”

The shocking footage shows an ill Gambaryan struggling to walk during a Monday court appearance in relation to money laundering charges seemingly connected to his time at the crypto exchange – though questions swirl over the legitimacy of his arrest.

“I’m not okay,” Gambaryan is heard crying in the video, clearly struggling to walk. “Why couldn’t I use a goddamn wheelchair? This is a show. I’m a f-cking innocent person. Why are you doing this to me?”

Shortly after Hill’s post, Binance reacted to the growing concerns over Gambaryan’s health. “We are extremely distressed by the video of Tigran in court yesterday. This is just a snapshot of Tigran’s current reality,” a Binance spokesperson said. “His health is rapidly declining, and we are deeply concerned about the long-term consequences of this unjust detention.”

Tigran Gambaryan’s Health In Jeopardy Amid Imprisonment

Gambaryan has been held by Nigerian officials since February, when he traveled to the country for digital asset policy talks.

Fellow Binance employee Nadeem Anjarwalla was also arrested but managed to escape custody.

In June, Congressman Hill, along with Congresswoman Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA), visited Gambaryan at Kuje Prison. There, they found him suffering from both double pneumonia and malaria.

“Tigran must be immediately granted a humanitarian release, the remaining charges dropped, and he must return home to America where he belongs,” Hill said at the time.

This week, during another court appearance, Gambaryan was forced to walk on crutches despite suffering from a herniated disc. After comments from his lawyers, Judge Emeka Nwite granted him access to a wheelchair.

However, reports indicate that prison officials have previously disregarded court orders, and there are concerns that he still may not receive the proper medical care.

According to Gambaryan’s wife, Yuki, the prison has withheld her husband’s medical records for months, and the partial records that have been released suggest he requires surgery.

“They cannot keep playing games with my husband’s life like this. This entire situation is inhumane and degrading, and I am fed up,” she said in a statement this week. “There must be consequences for this disregard of law and human rights.”