Calls Mount for Accountability in US Epstein Cases, Citing UK Response to Prince Andrew
A bipartisan group of US lawmakers is demanding similar consequences for individuals linked to Jeffrey Epstein in the United States as those faced by Prince Andrew, Duke of York, following revelations of his association with the convicted sex offender. The call for accountability comes as Congress prepares to vote on legislation forcing the release of further documents related to the Epstein case.
A senior congressman, speaking alongside survivors of Epstein outside the US Capitol, emphasized a growing sentiment for a “reckoning” in the US, mirroring developments in the United Kingdom. “There’s becoming a reckoning in Britain that needs to happen in the United States: a prince lost his title, the ambassador to the United States lost his job. We need to see those same kind of consequences here,” he stated. The reference to the ambassador alludes to the dismissal of Peter Mandelson from his post in Washington, a consequence of his ties to Epstein.
The lawmakers are pushing for a thorough accounting of those who enabled or participated in Epstein’s crimes, extending beyond those directly implicated in the abuse.”There shouldn’t be buildings named after these perpetrators of these heinous crimes, there shouldn’t be scholarships named after them, and there needs to be accounting,” a colleague added.
This bipartisan effort, led by representatives from both sides of the aisle, has focused on securing the full release of Justice Department files pertaining to the epstein investigation. “We’ve seen tens of thousands of pages released by the oversight committee. What we’ve not seen is a single name,” a congressman noted, expressing frustration with the lack of identified co-conspirators. “So I implore you to look and see if we have true justice and clarity, and the survivors will know when that has happened.”
The impending House vote to compel the release of the Epstein files follows a shift in opposition, with former President Donald Trump and his republican allies ultimately backing down from their initial resistance amid mounting public pressure.
Renewed attention has also been directed toward Prince Andrew, with calls for his testimony before the House oversight committee. A california representative reiterated this demand, stating, “I do think that Prince Andrew does need to come and testify at our oversight committee, and that can be bipartisan.” He further emphasized the need for the US to match the “urgency that the British people have shown in getting justice.”
Earlier this month, King Charles stripped his younger brother of his royal titles due to his relationship with Epstein. As then, House Republicans have released additional documents revealing that Prince Andrew maintained contact with the late financier for a longer period than previously known.
Another congressman accused Prince Andrew of attempting to evade scrutiny. “If he [Prince Andrew] doesn’t want to come, we’ll have to consider other options,” he said.
Why is this happening? Lawmakers are responding to growing public pressure and the example set by the United Kingdom in holding individuals accountable for associations with Jeffrey Epstein. Survivors of Epstein’s abuse are demanding a “reckoning” in the US, mirroring the consequences faced by Prince andrew, who lost his royal titles.
Who is involved? Key players include US lawmakers from both parties, survivors of Epstein’s abuse, Prince Andrew, King Charles, former President donald Trump, Peter Mandelson, and the Justice Department.
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