A coalition of 18 state attorneys general from the United States has called on President Joe Biden to intervene regarding the detention of Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan, who has been held in Nigeria since February 2024. The attorneys are asking Biden to apply the Robert Levinson Hostage Recovery and Accountability Act to recognize Gambaryan’s status as a hostage.
Unjust Detention of Binance Executive
In a joint letter sent on October 18, the attorneys expressed their growing concerns over the ongoing detention of Gambaryan, a retired police officer and U.S. citizen, without any charges. Arrested by Nigerian authorities, Gambaryan has been imprisoned for over eight months with an uncertain legal status.
Lawyers have claimed that Gambaryan’s detention is illegal, urging the Biden administration to act swiftly for his release. Attorney General John Formella, the letter’s initiator, emphasized the critical nature of the situation, stating, “The ongoing detention without cause is not only illegal but also life-threatening.”
Health Condition Deteriorating
Gambaryan’s health has significantly worsened during his detention. Unable to attend a court hearing on October 18 due to poor health, the hearing has been postponed to October 25. Legal representatives indicate that Gambaryan is battling life-threatening illnesses and has faced inhumane treatment in prison.
The attorneys general are requesting the Biden administration to formally classify Gambaryan’s detention as a hostage situation under the Robert Levinson Act. This classification could enable the U.S. government to apply greater diplomatic pressure on Nigerian authorities and expedite Gambaryan’s release.
This request is also supported by Representative Rich McCormick, who introduced a resolution in Congress in July that recognized Gambaryan’s detention as a hostage situation.
Diplomatic Relations and Ongoing Efforts
Reports indicate that the U.S. Department of State has engaged in discussions with Nigerian officials, yet little progress has been made toward Gambaryan’s release. The letter from the attorneys general serves as a new impetus for the federal government to take more decisive action. As Gambaryan’s health rapidly deteriorates, pressures are mounting on the Biden administration to take swift diplomatic steps to resolve the situation and bring the Binance executive home.
Gambaryan’s next hearing is scheduled for October 25; his lawyers expressed concerns about his ability to attend due to health issues. These efforts hold significant importance from both legal and humanitarian perspectives as various avenues for Gambaryan’s release are being pursued.
