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On Monday, which corresponds to early Tuesday AEDT, Ghislaine Maxwell was scheduled for questioning via a video call from the federal prison camp in Texas. Maxwell is currently serving a sentence surpassing 20 years for her involvement in sex trafficking.
Her role has drawn renewed attention as political figures intensify efforts to understand how Jeffrey Epstein, a financier with vast connections, managed to exploit underage girls for such an extended period. This investigation has become part of a broader global pursuit for accountability concerning Epstein’s widespread abuse.
In the wake of this global reckoning, authorities are diligently identifying individuals linked to Epstein who might have facilitated or played a part in his criminal activities. This pursuit of justice has mobilized politicians worldwide to seek answers and accountability.
Coinciding with Maxwell’s questioning, several officials intended to review unredacted versions of Epstein-related documents. These files, released by the Department of Justice, are part of compliance with a Congressional mandate enacted in 2025.
Meanwhile, Maxwell continues her efforts to overturn her conviction, maintaining that she was wrongfully found guilty. Her legal team argues that she was unjustly convicted, a claim that remains under judicial scrutiny.
The Supreme Court rejected her appeal last year2025, but in December requested that a federal judge in New York consider what her attorneys describe as “substantial new evidence” that her trial was spoiled by constitutional violations.
An attorney for Maxwell cited that petition and also told politicians that she would be willing to testify that neither President Donald Trump nor former president Bill Clinton were culpable for wrongdoing in their relationships with Epstein, according to both Democratic and Republican politicians who exited the closed-door meeting.
Democrats argued that Maxwell’s assertion was an effort to appeal to Trump for presidential clemency.
“It’s very clear she’s campaigning for clemency,” said Representative Melanie Stansbury, a New Mexico Democrat.
The Republican chair of the committee, Rep. James Comer of Kentucky, said it was “very disappointing” that Maxwell declined to participate in the deposition.
Comer had subpoenaed her last year but her attorneys have consistently told the committee that she won’t answer questions.
However, Comer came under pressure to hold the deposition as he pressed for the committee to enforce subpoenas on Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
After Comer threatened them with contempt of Congress charges, they both agreed to sit for depositions later this month.
Comer has been haggling with the Clintons more than whether that testimony should be held in a public hearing, but Comer reiterated Monday that he would insist on holding closed-door depositions and later releasing transcripts and video.
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