Bitrabo Editorial
The cryptocurrency exchange Binance is seeking urgent assistance from the US government and international bodies to apply political pressure on Nigeria to secure the release of Tigran Gambaryan, a high-ranking executive, who has been detained unjustly for six months.
Binance Condemns Unjust Imprisonment
Binance CEO Richard Teng issued a statement expressing concern over Gambaryan’s deteriorating physical and mental health due to the Nigerian government’s failure to provide adequate medical treatment and legal representation. Despite a court order mandating the release of Gambaryan’s medical records, officials have not complied.
Gambaryan’s condition has worsened significantly, with severe physical pain and difficulty walking. The lack of proper medical care, including access to a wheelchair, has exacerbated his situation.
The detention of the Binance executive has been overshadowed by unfounded accusations linking the exchange to Nigeria’s economic challenges, such as the devaluation of the Naira currency.
Teng dismissed these allegations, asserting that Binance’s operations in Nigeria are minimal, and external macroeconomic factors are responsible for the currency’s decline:
There is no justification for imprisoning an innocent employee over baseless claims. Binance has resolved issues with other governments worldwide amicably and without harm to our employees.
Pressure Builds for Gambaryan’s Release
Binance is urging the US government to acknowledge Gambaryan as a citizen unlawfully detained abroad, prompting Nigeria to release him on compassionate grounds. The company also encourages global support for Gambaryan’s freedom and condemnation of Nigeria’s unjust imprisonment practices.
Teng expressed a willingness to collaborate with the Nigerian government in the future to boost the country’s Web3 industry and attract foreign investments, contingent on Gambaryan’s release.
Nigeria should release Gambaryan, a former US federal agent, and allow him to return home to his family. We appeal on humanitarian grounds for his safe passage back home.
BNB, the exchange’s native token, is trading at $552 with a marginal 2% price correction in the past 24 hours.
Image credit: DALL-E, chart source: TradingView.com