Lower Bucks Today

Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick has announced the release of U.S. citizen Tigran Gambaryan, who had been held by the Nigerian government for eight months. The release occurred on humanitarian grounds, and Fitzpatrick issued a statement regarding this development.

Fitzpatrick stated, "Today marks a long-overdue victory for justice and freedom. The release of Tigran Gambaryan comes as a profound relief for his family, his loved ones, and all of us who fought for his return."

He emphasized that the experiences Gambaryan faced should not become a precedent for U.S. nationals detained abroad. "The injustices Tigran endured over the last eight months cannot become the standard for our U.S. nationals detained while abroad," he said. Fitzpatrick also stressed the importance of opposing human rights abuses and ensuring legal counsel for detained citizens.

Despite concerns about Gambaryan's health, Fitzpatrick expressed relief that he is now home with his family: "While Tigran’s health has suffered, he is now where he belongs—home, surrounded by family. We pray for him on his road to recovery."

Fitzpatrick's recent trip in July involved intelligence meetings in several countries including Liberia, Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and Germany. During these meetings, he advocated for Gambaryan's release and worked towards freeing another American detained in DRC.

"Although we celebrate this victory justice," Fitzpatrick concluded, "our work continues until every American citizen held wrongfully detained abroad is brought home.”