Binance CEO Richard Teng has criticized the treatment of Tigran Gambaryan, the head of crime compliance at Binance, who was detained in Nigeria.
A video clip that surfaced recently shows Gambaryan barely able to walk without proper medical care. The footage has fueled demands for his release as worries over his condition persist.
Binance CEO Demands Medical Care for Gambaryan
Tigran Gambaryan has been in Nigerian custody for over six months on charges of financial crimes, including embezzlement of $34 million.
He has been reported to have a spinal injury that has not been attended to while in detention. His health has sharply declined. Nonetheless, Nigerian authorities have also deprived him of much-needed medical care, including a wheelchair.
The video of Gambaryan limping has sparked public anger and intensified protests against the Nigerian government.
Binance CEO Richard Teng has personally called for Gambaryan’s release. Stressing that the man needs medical attention as soon as possible. The executive’s family has also raised similar issues, especially the neglect that has seen his health deteriorate.
Gambaryan’s Bail Request Faces EFCC Opposition
On September 2, 2015, the defendant’s lawyer filed a new motion for bail and argued that Gambaryan was ill. The motion states that the lack of proper medical attention during detention threatens Gambaryan’s life.
The legal team of Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has challenged the bail request. They state that the defendant is in good health.
The court is scheduled to hear the bail application on September 4th, a ruling that can influence whether Gambaryan will receive the required medical treatment.
The executive’s legal team has submitted medical documents to the court indicating that the executive needs surgery. However, the EFCC has argued that Gambaryan is not as sick as his defense wants the court to believe, which has made the case complicated.
Humanitarian Calls Grow Amid Gambaryan’s Detention
The case has gained attention on the international level, and many people demand that Gambaryan be released on a humanitarian basis.
Binance has been in the spotlight for supporting its executives’ rights and health while under Teng’s leadership. The company has requested International Human Rights organizations to help ensure Gambaryan’s well-being.
Therefore, Gambaryan’s treatment has sparked other concerns about the welfare of foreign nationals in Nigerian detentions. This has led to a lot of criticism over the lack of proper medical attention and the apparent neglect of his deteriorating health.
The hearing is scheduled for Sept. 4, but the result is still up in the air; however, the pressure on the Nigerian authorities is still increasing.
Teng has called for action on the complaints. He said that Gambaryan’s life is in danger. He has urged the International community to ensure that the Nigerian Government is taken to task over the welfare of detained individuals.
The world is waiting to see how Nigerian courts will deal with Gambaryan’s case, as the situation is still tensed.
