Advocates for Epstein Victims Unite in Outrage Over Delayed Release of Files
The US Department of Justice's failure to release all Jeffrey Epstein investigative files by the January 19 deadline has sparked outrage among advocates for victims, who are demanding answers from government officials. The delay comes just a month after the Congressionally mandated deadline was set in law, leaving many feeling that justice is once again being denied.
"I'm not surprised," said Lisa Bloom, lawyer for 11 Epstein survivors. "This is about powerful men covering up for each other, and that's exactly what's happening here." The slow release of files is seen as a pattern of behavior by government officials to obstruct the truth from coming to light.
Jennifer Plotkin, who represents nearly three dozen Epstein survivors, echoed Bloom's sentiments. "The government continues to avoid accountability and disregards the victims," she said. "It's shocking that they defend their inactions while claiming transparency."
The delay has been described as a clear violation of the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which required the release of all investigative files related to Epstein within 30 days of its passage. Despite signing the act into law after months of bipartisan pressure, Trump had initially declined to comply with the deadline.
While some files were released on December 19, subsequent disclosures came after the deadline and represent a mere fraction of what is believed to exist. Justice department attorneys claim that over two million documents are in various phases of review, but advocates demand an explanation for the delay.
A special master or inspector general has been suggested to oversee compliance with the deadline, which could help restore public trust in federal institutions. "Compliance with the act should be overseen, audited, and evaluated to address not only timeliness but also redactions and the completeness of the production," said Jennifer Freeman, representing Epstein victim Maria Farmer.
As advocates continue to push for answers and transparency, many are left feeling that justice is still out of reach. "Victims and survivors will need to continue to fight for justice or they will never achieve it," Allred warned. The delay in releasing Epstein files has only reinforced the perception that powerful men will stop at nothing to avoid accountability for their crimes.
The US Department of Justice's failure to release all Jeffrey Epstein investigative files by the January 19 deadline has sparked outrage among advocates for victims, who are demanding answers from government officials. The delay comes just a month after the Congressionally mandated deadline was set in law, leaving many feeling that justice is once again being denied.
"I'm not surprised," said Lisa Bloom, lawyer for 11 Epstein survivors. "This is about powerful men covering up for each other, and that's exactly what's happening here." The slow release of files is seen as a pattern of behavior by government officials to obstruct the truth from coming to light.
Jennifer Plotkin, who represents nearly three dozen Epstein survivors, echoed Bloom's sentiments. "The government continues to avoid accountability and disregards the victims," she said. "It's shocking that they defend their inactions while claiming transparency."
The delay has been described as a clear violation of the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which required the release of all investigative files related to Epstein within 30 days of its passage. Despite signing the act into law after months of bipartisan pressure, Trump had initially declined to comply with the deadline.
While some files were released on December 19, subsequent disclosures came after the deadline and represent a mere fraction of what is believed to exist. Justice department attorneys claim that over two million documents are in various phases of review, but advocates demand an explanation for the delay.
A special master or inspector general has been suggested to oversee compliance with the deadline, which could help restore public trust in federal institutions. "Compliance with the act should be overseen, audited, and evaluated to address not only timeliness but also redactions and the completeness of the production," said Jennifer Freeman, representing Epstein victim Maria Farmer.
As advocates continue to push for answers and transparency, many are left feeling that justice is still out of reach. "Victims and survivors will need to continue to fight for justice or they will never achieve it," Allred warned. The delay in releasing Epstein files has only reinforced the perception that powerful men will stop at nothing to avoid accountability for their crimes.