YEREVAN (CoinChapter.com) — Rich McCormick, a U.S. Congressman, is calling for immediate government action to release Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan, who has been detained in Nigeria since February 2024. Gambaryan faces charges of money laundering, but McCormick and other lawmakers argue that the charges lack merit and demand urgent diplomatic efforts to bring him home.
McCormick Advocates for Gambaryan’s Release. Source: @RepMcCormick Congressman Pushes for Action on Tigran Gambaryan Case
In a hearing by the Committee of Foreign Affairs, Congressman Rich McCormick urged the U.S. Department of State to take swift action to secure the release of Tigran Gambaryan. He questioned why the U.S. government has not yet intervened, given that Gambaryan meets the criteria of the Robert Levinson Hostage Recovery and Hostage-Taking Accountability Act.
During the hearing, McCormick referred to Gambaryan as a “hostage” and emphasized the importance of immediate diplomatic intervention. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell responded by acknowledging the ongoing efforts, calling the situation “a subject of real concern.”
Tigran Gambaryan’s Health Worsens During Detention
As the legal and diplomatic process drags on, concerns about Tigran Gambaryan’s health continue to rise. The Binance executive has reportedly been denied necessary medical care, with his condition deteriorating. He suffers from a herniated disc and has not received adequate treatment, worsening his health significantly.
In a September 2 court appearance, Gambaryan, visibly distressed, struggled to walk and expressed his frustration over his situation.
“I’m not okay,”
Gambaryan said in court.
“Why couldn’t I use a goddamn wheelchair? This is a show. I’m innocent—why are you doing this to me?”
Gambaryan’s Court Appearance. Source: @c2p6
McCormick turned to social media to express his concerns, emphasizing that Gambaryan has been “regularly denied access to much-needed medical care and his lawyers.” Furthermore, he warned that Tigran Gambaryan’s health is seriously deteriorating and that time is running out.
Lawmakers Urge for a Humanitarian Release of Tigran Gambaryan
The call for Tigran Gambaryan’s release has grown louder. Earlier this year, Representatives French Hill (R-AR) and Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) visited Gambaryan during his detainment in Nigeria. They discovered that the Binance executive had been suffering from malaria and double pneumonia without proper medical treatment.
Following their visit, Hill issued a statement demanding the immediate humanitarian release of Gambaryan. He emphasized that the charges should be dropped and that Gambaryan should be allowed to return home to the U.S.
“Tigran must be immediately granted a humanitarian release,”
Hill stated.
“He belongs home in America.”
The condition of Tigran Gambaryan has worsened since the visit. His wife, Yuki, has voiced her frustration, stating,
“They cannot keep playing games with my husband’s life like this.”
She called the situation “inhumane and degrading,” demanding consequences for the disregard of human rights.
Increasing Pressure on U.S. Officials for Gambaryan’s Release
With increasing concerns about Tigran Gambaryan’s worsening health and ongoing detention, pressure on U.S. officials is intensifying. Congressman Rich McCormick has been vocal in urging the State Department to prioritize Gambaryan’s case and facilitate his release. Additionally, McCormick highlighted that Gambaryan’s family has not been able to see him for over seven months.
The situation remains critical as Tigran Gambaryan continues to face deteriorating health conditions without proper care. Lawmakers continue to urge the U.S. government to intervene before it’s too late.
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