Eighteen U.S. attorney generals have formally requested President Joe Biden to recognize Tigran Gambaryan's detention in Nigeria as a hostage situation. Gambaryan, a U.S. citizen and Binance employee, has been detained for over seven months on charges including money laundering and tax evasion.
Detention and Circumstances
Attorney generals from states like Utah, Connecticut, and Kansas argue that Gambaryan's detention is being used as leverage by Nigerian authorities amid an ongoing dispute with Binance. They have expressed serious concerns about the denial of medical treatment for his conditions: malaria, pneumonia, and a herniated disc.
Health Concerns
Concerns for Gambaryan's health are grave, with diagnoses of malaria, pneumonia, and a herniated disc. Nonetheless, appropriate treatment has been denied, affecting his physical condition.
Call to U.S. Government
The attorneys call on the U.S. government to label Gambaryan as a hostage under the Robert Levinson Act to mobilize additional resources and diplomatic pressure for his release. The petition has been signed by 18 attorney generals, underscoring the urgency and need for immediate action.
The collective demand from the attorney generals underscores the urgency and seriousness of Gambaryan's situation, advocating for immediate U.S. government intervention to assist the citizen facing severe legal and health issues abroad.