The U.S. government is pressuring Nigeria to release a detained employee of cryptocurrency giant Binance, citing deteriorating health conditions and a lack of adequate medical care.
Addressing Nigerian Authorities
According to two senior State Department officials, U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken raised Gambaryan’s case with the Nigerian foreign minister in May. Other American diplomats, including the U.S. ambassador to Nigeria, have called for Gambaryan’s release in private meetings with the Nigerian president, finance minister, attorney general and trade minister.
Deteriorating Health of the Detainee
Gambaryan, 40, has been detained in Nigeria since his arrest in February. According to U.S. officials and his family, Gambaryan's condition has deteriorated and he suffers from complications of malaria and a herniated disc. They say he has not received the necessary medical treatment despite repeated pleas, further endangering his health.
Family’s Reaction and Criticism
Since June, the State Department has been arguing for his release on humanitarian grounds, but so far Nigerian authorities have failed to act. U.S. diplomats have stressed the urgency of the situation, while Gambarian's supporters have criticised the U.S. for not doing enough to secure his release. Gambaryan’s wife, Yuki, expressed disappointment with the U.S. government’s approach in an interview ahead of senior Nigerian officials expected to visit New York for the United Nations General Assembly this month. “I would be very sad if the U.S. government welcomed the Nigerian delegates with open arms,” she warned, revealing the personal impact of the ordeal on the family.
The situation surrounding the detention of the Binance employee in Nigeria remains tense. American diplomats continue to push for his release, citing deteriorating health conditions and insufficient medical care. Gambaryan's family and supporters hope for more proactive actions from the U.S. government.
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