Tigran Gambaryan, a Binance executive is reportedly sick and detained in a Nigerian prison. Although his health has been deteriorating, the prison officials have not provided him with a wheelchair. This makes it difficult for him to move around.
The America-based compliance manager has been in detention on money laundering charges and has been sick while in prison.
Tigran Gambaryan’s Health Worsens as Wheelchair Denied in Jail
40 years old Tigran Gambaryan, has been suffering from malaria and pneumonia. He is now bedridden and cannot move without support. He has not been in good health since he was arrested in Abuja the capital city of Nigeria where he is still being detained up to now. His family raised serious concern over the denial of a wheelchair stating that it is very vital to his movement.
It is said that the sufferer of a herniated disc, which was already serving him, has aggravated, reducing his mobility. This has, however, put a lot of strain on his health and his family has requested for his immediate treatment. With no proper medical equipment, Gambaryan’s condition keeps on deteriorating, which is a big concern for his health.
Nigerian Authorities and Binance Clash Over Charges
The Nigerian authorities and Binance accuse Gambaryan of money laundering, but Gambaryan and Binance have not accepted the charge.
His trial, postponed because of the court’s recess, is expected to continue on September 2nd. The legal process has been a subject of controversy, with his lawyer Mark Mordi calling it “state-sanctioned hostage-taking.”
Two US lawmakers, who visited the prison in June termed the conditions as “horrible,” thus raising concerns on the treatment of Gambaryan. However, the Nigerian government has assured that he is well taken care of medic-wise as he suffers from malaria and pneumonia.
However, the information coming from his family and his legal representatives flies in the face of these allegations showing that there was no sufficient care provided to him medically.
Impact on Legal Proceedings
Gambaryan has been denied a wheelchair, so he cannot meet with his lawyers and US Embassy officials. His family has noted that this affects his health and, by extension, his capacity to defend himself in court. This has been compounded by the fact that he is unable to move from one place to another, which is not easy in handling legal matters.
This has raised concern on matters of health and access to mobility facilities in society. It has brought more focus on the Nigerian prison system and the treatment of the prisoners especially those in the sick bay. As the trial date of Gambaryan nears, there are still fears about whether he will be able to get a fair trial in such a situation.
