UN experts say Epstein files allegations may amount to crimes against humanity
A panel of independent experts appointed by the United Nations Human Rights Council stated that millions of files related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein suggest a "global criminal enterprise" involving acts that meet the legal threshold of crimes against humanity.
The experts described crimes outlined in documents released by the U.S. Justice Department as occurring against a backdrop of supremacist beliefs, racism, corruption and extreme misogyny, involving the commodification and dehumanization of women and girls.
"So grave is the scale, nature, systematic character, and transnational reach of these atrocities against women and girls, that a number of them may reasonably meet the legal threshold of crimes against humanity," the experts said in a statement.
They called for an independent, thorough and impartial investigation into the allegations and how such crimes could persist for so long. The U.S. Justice Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
A law approved by Congress with broad bipartisan support in November requires all Epstein-related files to be made public. The experts raised concerns about "serious compliance failures and botched redactions" exposing sensitive victim information, with more than 1,200 victims identified in released documents so far.
"The reluctance to fully disclose information or broaden investigations, has left many survivors feeling retraumatized and subjected to what they describe as ‘institutional gaslighting,'" the experts said.
The Justice Department releases have revealed Epstein's ties to prominent figures in politics, finance, academia and business, both before and after his 2008 guilty plea to prostitution charges including soliciting an underage girl. Epstein was found hanged in his jail cell in 2019 after arrest on federal sex trafficking of minors charges. His death was ruled a suicide.
Know more about this story?
If you have additional information or believe something is inaccurate, let us know. Your tips help us stay accurate.
Sources (1)
More in International
Iranian Foreign Minister Affirms High-Level Diplomatic Engagement With Russia
Nearly 100 UN Member States Condemn Iran’s Strait of Hormuz Attacks as Threat to Global Economy
Iran Condemns US Seizure of Oil Tankers as Piracy
France Delivers 42 Tonnes of Humanitarian Aid to Afghanistan via EU Air Bridge
ReliableIranian Foreign Minister Affirms High-Level Diplomatic Engagement With Russia
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi affirmed that diplomatic engagement with Russia remains at the highest level following recent meetings with senior Russian officials. He stated that recent developments underscore the depth of the strategic partnership between Tehran and Moscow.
ReliableNearly 100 UN Member States Condemn Iran’s Strait of Hormuz Attacks as Threat to Global Economy
Nearly one hundred UN member states have condemned Iran’s recent attacks in the Strait of Hormuz as a threat to the global economy. Meanwhile, the White House confirmed it is reviewing an Iranian peace proposal to halt hostilities and reopen the waterway, though Washington’s core red lines remain in place.
ReliableIran Condemns US Seizure of Oil Tankers as Piracy
Iran’s Foreign Ministry has condemned the U.S. seizure of Iranian oil tankers in international waters, labeling the action as piracy and a violation of international law. Spokesperson Ismail Baghai called for accountability, warning that the detentions threaten global maritime security and free trade.
ReliableFrance Delivers 42 Tonnes of Humanitarian Aid to Afghanistan via EU Air Bridge
France has delivered 42 tonnes of humanitarian aid, including therapeutic food and medical supplies, to Afghanistan via the EU Humanitarian Air Bridge. The shipment will be managed by the UN to treat severe malnutrition in approximately 3,200 young children amid a broader humanitarian crisis.