In a recent government meeting, lawmakers discussed H. Res. 1348, a resolution urging the Nigerian government to release Tigran Gambarian, a U.S. citizen and former federal agent, who has been detained in Nigeria since February. Gambarian, who was in Nigeria for a meeting related to his role as head of Financial Crime Compliance at Binance, has faced serious health issues during his imprisonment, including malaria and pneumonia, and has been denied adequate medical care.

The resolution, presented by Representative McCormack, highlights Gambarian's wrongful detention and calls for his immediate release, citing the lack of legal justification for his arrest and the inhumane conditions he has endured in Kuje prison. McCormack emphasized that Gambarian has not been charged with any wrongdoing and criticized the Nigerian government's treatment of him as a violation of his rights as an American citizen.

During the discussion, Representative Meeks expressed concern over Gambarian's deteriorating health and noted that U.S. officials have engaged with Nigerian authorities at high levels to advocate for his release. He underscored the importance of continuing to press Nigeria for Gambarian's freedom and ensuring his fundamental rights are respected.

Representative French Hill also voiced frustration over the situation, condemning the Nigerian government's actions as unprecedented and unjust. He called for Gambarian's release without conditions, asserting that the charges against him are unfounded and that he deserves full support from the U.S. government.

The resolution aims to not only secure Gambarian's release but also to ensure he receives proper medical care and due process. Lawmakers expressed a commitment to continue advocating for Gambarian and other U.S. citizens wrongfully detained abroad, emphasizing the need for a unified response from the U.S. government in such cases.