Court Proceedings Resume in Abuja

At the start of the week, court proceedings in Abuja resumed for Tigran Gambaryan's trial. Gambaryan, a Binance executive, has been detained in Nigeria since February.

His lawyers reported worsening conditions at Kuje prison, where he is being held. As a result, they have faced restrictions in meeting him properly to prepare for his trial, according to a family statement.

Medical Concerns and Deteriorating Conditions

Gambaryan's family said they are profoundly worried for the Binance executive's health behind bars, where he is dealing with a herniated disc in his back, bouts of pneumonia, malaria, and tonsillitis.

"They are also deeply concerned about his health conditions, including a herniated disc in his back as well as suffering bouts of Pneumonia, Malaria, and Tonsillitis," the family said in a joint statement.

Gambaryan and his Binance colleague, Nadeem Anjarwalla, were arrested in Nigeria after being invited to discuss the exchange's local operations.

This action was part of Nigeria's broader campaign against crypto exchanges. The government accused these exchanges of devaluing the naira and facilitating illegal financial transactions.

Human Rights Concerns

In May, the court rejected Gambaryan's initial bail application. This decision came after charges were brought against him, Nadeem Anjarwalla, and Binance for allegedly laundering over $35 million.

Gambaryan's family and Binance officials have described his detention as unjust, sparking concerns about human rights and the rule of law.

Last week, Binance's CEO Richard Teng urged the Nigerian government to free him on humanitarian grounds and allow him to receive proper medical treatment in the US.

Gambaryan's family said he was denied using a wheelchair to enter the court on Monday. As a result, he was forced to attempt walking with crutches. He showed clear signs of pain and extreme distress, even crying in court, they added.

Legal and Medical Challenges

Nigeria's prosecutor opposed his bail application, claiming he isn't unwell despite recently provided medical records suggesting he urgently needs surgery.

Meanwhile, his lawyers have been prevented from visiting him to prepare for the trial. The prosecution claimed the executive is declining medical treatment.

Yet, key medical records, like an MRI scan, are missing from the file, according to the family. The judge has scheduled to hear the bail application further and continue the trial on Sept. 4.

Gambaryan pleaded with the judge, stating he isn't getting adequate medical attention in prison and is deprived of fundamental rights like meeting his lawyers and embassy officials. In response, the judge mandated that he be permitted to use a wheelchair.

"The US Government must do more to help Tigran," his wife, Yuki Gambaryan, said. "I urge them to use every available tool to free an innocent American who is at risk of permanent damage."

Yuki Gambaryan also criticized recent statements from Nigerian authorities denying her husband's health issues. "The truth is that the prison has withheld his medical records for months, and even the partial records they finally released today say that Tigran needs surgery.

They cannot keep playing games with my husband's life like this. This entire situation is inhumane and degrading, and I am fed up. There must be consequences for disregarding law and human rights," she added.