In brief
In a recent interview with the BBC, Congressman Thomas Massie voiced his unhappiness with the release of Jeffrey Epstein's files, stating that men involved in the scandal should face justice. He criticized the Department of Justice, asserting that not all relevant materials were shared, and highlighted the irony of contrasts in legal responses between the US and the UK. Massie emphasized the need for transparency and cooperation between law enforcement agencies regarding Epstein-related investigations.
One of the most outspoken members of the US Republican Party over the Epstein files has told the BBC he is not satisfied until the survivors are satisfied.
Thomas Massie, a congressman representing Kentucky, told the Newsnight programme: Men need to be perp-walked in handcuffs to the jail, and until we see that here in this country... we don't have a system of justice that's working.
Massie has criticized the Department of Justice (DOJ) for the number of files that it redacted or withheld after it complied with a law - co-written by Massie - to release all its material. DOJ officials have stated they have released all of their files except for certain items permitted to be exempt.
In contrast with the situation in the US, the UK was the only place that we're seeing arrests, Massie noted, remarking on the irony that the US believed it could achieve more justice by becoming independent.
Following the release of the documents in the US, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Lord Peter Mandelson were arrested in the UK on suspicion of misconduct related to Epstein but were released pending investigation. Mountbatten-Windsor has denied any wrongdoing.
Massie was asked if the DOJ should share unredacted Epstein documents with London’s Metropolitan Police for their investigations, to which he responded affirmatively, indicating a willingness for collaboration.
On the subject of whether Mountbatten-Windsor could be compelled to testify, Massie noted that if cases arise in the US, he could indeed be called as a witness.
The law that mandated the DOJ's file release, co-sponsored by Massie, allowed for redactions to protect victims' privacy. However, Massie claims that some redactions were inappropriate.
During the recent release of Epstein's files, it was revealed that three million documents were not disclosed due to privacy and sensitive material. The DOJ assured that none had been withheld based on embarrassment or political sensitivity.
Massie continued to question the transparency of unreleased documents, particularly those related to Epstein's plea deal in 2008.
In a poignant moment, Massie expressed concern during the interview about the emotional stories shared by Epstein survivors, remarking on the predatory power dynamics at play, especially considering Epstein's connections with global elites.
