Congressman Rich McCormick (R-GA) called on the U.S. Department of State on Wednesday to intervene in freeing Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan, who has been detained by Nigerian authorities since February of this year.
McCormick described Gambaryan as a "hostage" during a hearing hosted by the Committee of Foreign Affairs, emphasizing the need for immediate action to secure his release.
U.S. Lawmakers Demand Action for Binance Executive's Release
During the hearing, McCormick questioned Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell on why the U.S. government had not yet secured Gambaryan's freedom.
Gambaryan, who traveled to Nigeria for discussions on crypto policy, was detained and has since been held on money laundering charges.
Rich McCormick pointed out that Gambaryan met most of the conditions outlined in the Robert Levinson Hostage Recovery and Hostage-Taking Accountability Act, but still remains imprisoned.
"We very much want to get it resolved and it is a subject of real concern," Campbell responded, acknowledging the ongoing diplomatic efforts.
Tigran Gambaryan's Health Concerns Worsen Amid Detainment
As legal and diplomatic efforts continue, growing concerns about Gambaryan’s health have added further urgency to his case.
Reports have surfaced that Gambaryan is suffering from significant health issues, compounded by a lack of medical care while in custody.
A video from a September 2 court appearance shows the Binance executive struggling to walk, nearly in tears.
"I'm not okay," Gambaryan cried in the video, clearly distressed. "Why couldn't I use a goddamn wheelchair? This is a show. I'm innocent—why are you doing this to me?"
McCormick echoed these concerns on social media, stating that Gambaryan had been "regularly denied access to much-needed medical care and his lawyers."
The Congressman warned that Gambaryan's health is in serious decline and urged the State Department to elevate his case.
"His family has not hugged him in over 7 months. Time is running out. We need the State Department to elevate his case and bring him home NOW," McCormick posted.
Lawmakers Rally for Humanitarian Release
McCormick is not alone in his call for Gambaryan's release. In June, Representatives French Hill (R-AR) and Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) visited the imprisoned Binance executive, discovering that he had been suffering from malaria and double pneumonia.
— Cryptonews.com (@cryptonews) June 21, 2024
US lawmakers have made a visit to Kuje Prison in Nigeria, where detained Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan is being held.#Nigeria #Binancehttps://t.co/tqr0I3ajE2
"Tigran must be immediately granted a humanitarian release, the remaining charges dropped, and he must return home to America where he belongs," Hill said in a statement following the visit.
Gambaryan's condition has worsened since then. He is reportedly suffering from a herniated disc and has not received adequate treatment.
His wife, Yuki, expressed her frustration over the situation in a statement earlier this month.
"They cannot keep playing games with my husband’s life like this," Gambaryan's wife, Yuki, said in a statement shared with cryptonews.com earlier this month. "This entire situation is inhumane and degrading, and I am fed up. There must be consequences for this disregard of law and human rights.”
The post Congressman Rich McCormick Calls on U.S. Government to Help Free Detained Binance Executive Tigran Gambaryan appeared first on Cryptonews.
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