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Shadow of the Epstein Case Looms Over Former U.S. Attorney General

by faeze mohammadi

Officials from the U.S. Department of Justice have announced that Pam Bondi, the recently removed Attorney General, will not appear next week before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform to testify about the ongoing investigation into the case of Jeffrey Epstein, who was convicted of sexual abuse charges.

Jessica Collins, a spokesperson for the Oversight Committee, said: “The Department of Justice has stated that Bondi — who was fired last week by Donald Trump — will not appear to testify before the committee,” “because she is no longer the Attorney General, and her subpoena was issued for her in her capacity as Attorney General.” She added that the committee will contact Bondi’s personal attorney to discuss next steps for scheduling a new interview.

According to a report by Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper, later, Patrick Davis, an Assistant Attorney General, wrote in a letter: “Please confirm that the subpoena has been withdrawn.”

However, Republicans on the committee have indicated that this matter may not yet be settled. They pointed to a vote last month to subpoena Bondi to testify on April 14 — a vote that followed dissatisfaction from members of both parties over the Department of Justice’s performance in implementing a law passed by Congress to release millions of pages of Epstein-related files.

James Comer, the Republican chairman of the committee, received a letter from Department of Justice officials stating that Bondi would not appear at the hearing, citing the decision by Donald Trump to remove her last week.

Bondi’s decision not to appear is a new obstacle to congressional efforts to pressure Trump administration officials into enforcing a law passed by Congress last year requiring the Department of Justice to release Epstein’s files.

Lawmakers from both parties have accused the Department of Justice of missing statutory deadlines for releasing the documents, failing to adequately protect victims’ personal information, and concealing key details to shield prominent figures linked to Epstein’s circle. Epstein died in federal custody in 2019.

Committee Insists on Testimony

A committee spokesperson said in a statement that despite the DOJ’s letter, the committee will continue to seek Bondi’s testimony. He said: “The committee will contact Pam Bondi’s personal legal counsel to discuss next steps for scheduling her testimony.”

Bondi has faced intense scrutiny and criticism over her oversight of the Department of Justice’s efforts to release the Epstein files. The handling of the case ultimately contributed to Trump’s decision to remove her, as Trump had grown frustrated for months with the Epstein case remaining in the headlines and causing discord within his party.

Following the announcement of her removal, Bondi wrote on social media that over the next month she would work “with full diligence to transition the responsibilities of this office.” However, Todd Blanche, the Deputy Attorney General, has been temporarily appointed as acting head of the department. Nevertheless, the Department of Justice’s website still lists Bondi as Attorney General.

Bondi had previously broadly defended the department’s performance and its efforts to implement the law during congressional hearings.

Although she had been questioned about the Epstein case in at least two previous congressional hearings, committee members voted in March to subpoena her again to testify — a move that even surprised James Comer.

The effort was led by two lawmakers, Republican Nancy Mace and Democrat Ro Khanna. They stated that they still want Bondi to appear before the committee. In a letter to Comer, they wrote: “Removing Pam Bondi from the position of Attorney General does not diminish the committee’s legal right to oversight and to obtain her sworn testimony, nor does it eliminate the necessity for accountability and access to information regarding the files the Department of Justice has hidden from the public — on the contrary, it makes her testimony even more important.”

Nancy Mace also wrote separately on social media: “Bondi cannot simply avoid accountability because she is no longer Attorney General.” She added that the subpoena request was issued “in her personal name and not in her official capacity as Attorney General” and that she expects Bondi “to appear at the hearing as soon as a new date is set.”

Additionally, Robert Garcia, a Democratic representative and senior committee member, threatened more decisive action. He said in a statement: “She must appear immediately to testify. If she refuses to comply with the subpoena, we will begin the process of holding her in contempt of Congress. The victims deserve justice.”

A Department of Justice spokesperson also stated that Bondi “remains committed to cooperating with the committee.”

translation by Jahan Banu from Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper

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Community

Epstein and the Silence of Women’s Rights Leaders

by خانم هاشمی

A critical look at the widespread silence of prominent global and Iranian feminist activists (including Steinem and Mohammadi) in the face of the horrific Jeffrey Epstein sexual abuse case — highlighting the gap between proclaimed defense of women’s rights and lack of reaction to one of the greatest contemporary tragedies.

The controversial case of Jeffrey Epstein, whose extensive sexual abuse network plunged more than a thousand women and girls into disaster, remains one of the darkest chapters of recent history. Yet the **meaningful silence from many proclaimed defenders of women’s rights — internationally and in Iran — from Gloria Steinem to Narges Mohammadi, raises a serious question: have these activists truly listened to the voices of real victims, or have their declarations proved empty when confronted with a tangible crisis?

Epstein’s years of hidden, predatory activity — built on the exploitation of minors and women — remain only partially exposed despite limited revelations so far. Official reactions, where they have occurred, have mostly been confined to brief statements from some organizations and sporadic comments from officials; they have not matched the scale of this human crisis. This gap in responses — especially the broad silence from women’s rights activists both globally and domestically — reflects a deep divide between claim and practice, casting doubt on the real commitment of those who claim to champion justice and human rights.

This report examines that gap, the few reactions that have taken place, and underscores the need for sustained public pressure to ensure justice for survivors.

Limited Reactions: National Organization for Women and UK Officials

Despite the dominant silence, some reactions have emerged globally:

National Organization for Women (NOW)

The National Organization for Women (NOW), a longstanding U.S. nonprofit feminist organization rooted in the second wave of American feminism, issued a statement on September 8, 2025, expressing support for Epstein’s survivors and calling for the full release of all records related to the case. The organization praised the courage of women who came forward with their stories, bringing the fate of over 1,000 women and girls (many as young as 14) into the public eye. NOW emphasized that survivors deserve full justice and unconditional legal support.

In its statement, NOW also criticized congressional leaders and the president at the time for hindering transparency and failing to fulfill campaign promises, effectively protecting perpetrators. The group urged supporters to contact members of Congress, back legislative efforts, and sign petitions to pressure for legal enforcement and document disclosure. NOW also sought elimination of statutory limits on sex trafficking cases, improved training for police and prosecutors, and a deeper understanding of the importance of pursuing these crimes — stressing that collective action can help enforce justice and counter political cover-ups.

On February 15, 2026, The Guardian reported remarks by Jess Philips, the UK’s Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Safeguarding and Violent Crime, stating that the Epstein files should act as a catalyst for long-term legal reform. Philips argued that governments should use this moment to invest in preventative policies rather than just reactive measures, and ensure that perpetrators are held truly accountable. She called for stronger efforts so that “there is less likelihood of witnessing another Epstein” in Britain.

Yvette Cooper, UK Home Secretary, told BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg that halving violence against women and girls over the next decade is a “priority and mission” for her government. She stressed that real focus must be on Epstein’s survivors and the work the government is doing to tackle violence.

Silence from Global and Iranian Activists: A Lack of Commitment During a Real Crisis

Despite the shocking scale of the Epstein case and a global call for justice, many high-profile feminist and human rights figures have remained silent on this disgraceful crisis.

At the global level, well-known feminists such as Gloria Steinem — a foundational figure in the American feminist movement — have not publicly addressed this specific case, even though she historically has spoken about sexual misconduct broadly. Sources on her comments relating directly to Epstein are not evident in recent reports or statements. Figures like Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and others active in feminist discourse are also not on record for explicit reactions to the Epstein revelations in the context detailed here.

This inaction has limited opportunities to support survivors at a moment when public attention and solidarity could have significant impact — prompting serious questions about the credibility of these individuals as genuine defenders of women.

In Iran, the situation mirrors this global silence. Activists with lengthy histories of advocating for women’s and girls’ rights — including Narges Mohammadi (2023 Nobel Peace Prize laureate), Shaparak Shajarizadeh, and Mehrangiz Kar — have yet to issue any public statement, whether via social media, essays, speeches, or official declarations, about the Epstein case. This absence of response in both Persian and English-language media underlines a stark gap between slogans and actual action.

Ultimately, this silence underscores more than anything the need for continuous, public, media, and global pressure to ensure accountability and genuine support for survivors of this tragedy.

en.jahanbanou.ir

From: Fars

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Society

Exposing Western Women’s Rights: Media, Power, and Epstein

by خانم هاشمی

From the Commodification of the Female Body to Concealed Corruption Cases

In a wide-ranging online session, the director of women’s programs at Iran’s Islamic Propagation Organization challenged what she described as the “contradictory and superficial” defense of women’s rights in Western societies. She argued that Western media and entertainment industries, despite proclaiming feminist values, often marginalize the structural inequalities and exploitation affecting women and girls — a reality she says was tragically revealed in the Jeffrey Epstein scandal and its aftershocks.

Western Narratives vs. Structural Inequality

Sara Talebi, director of the Women’s Coordination and Leadership Center at the Islamic Propagation Organization, opened the discussion by saying global media is currently engaged in a battle over perception — one in which images of Western women are crafted to obscure deeper problems of inequality and violence. She stressed that official Western rhetoric often speaks loftily of freedom and equality, but in practice sustains a modern patriarchy that commodifies women’s bodies through fashion, film, and entertainment. This process, she argued, feeds economic and power interests while eclipsing systemic injustices.

Talebi also observed that many young people are drawn to feminist discourses because of genuine experiences of discrimination and injustice — yet, the versions of feminism most promoted tend to reflect a narrowly defined Western framework. This, she warned, has contributed to new identity and social challenges among youth.

Cultural Representation and the Absence of Indigenous Models

The speaker went on to critique cultural production, noting that in areas such as cinema, music, video games, and social media, dominant portrayals tend to recycle Western lifestyles and values. According to Talebi, this cultural vacuum reduces exposure to deeply rooted, locally relevant role models, leaving young Iranians and others less connected to cultural images that resonate with their own heritage and values.

The Media’s Blind Spots on Workplace Harassment and Exploitation

Talebi pointed out that while Western media frequently showcases successful and charismatic women, it often glosses over behind-the-scenes realities like job insecurity, verbal and sexual harassment, and the pressures faced by women within powerful entertainment industries.

Epstein Case: A Mirror to Hidden Power Structures

Referring directly to the Jeffrey Epstein case, Talebi called the scandal an “embodied example” of how exploitation is intertwined with elite power and wealth. Epstein — an American financier convicted of sex crimes — died in a New York federal jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on charges of sex trafficking minors; U.S. officials ruled his death a suicide, though debate continues about the circumstances.

Talebi argued that Western media have treated coverage of such scandals selectively, which she believes demonstrates double standards in how human rights issues are framed and reported.

A Call for Stronger Indigenous Media Narratives

In closing, Talebi stressed the need to strengthen local cultural and media storytelling that can provide a deeper, structural perspective on gender and society. Without this, she warned, a one-sided image of women and families may take root in the minds of new generations — shaped more by imported media narratives than by the lived realities and values of their own societies.

She concluded that building a cohesive, robust media front on women’s issues is essential to revealing and countering the often hidden power dynamics in Western societies.

Reporter: Mahta Sanei

From: jahanbanou

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Europe

From Epstein to Kincora: The Sex Scandal That Targeted the Crown

by خانم هاشمی

Newly released documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein case, alongside fresh revelations about the Kincora Boys’ Home in Northern Ireland, have reignited allegations linking the British royal family and intelligence services to wide-ranging child sexual abuse networks.

According to the newly surfaced records, Britain’s domestic and foreign intelligence agencies were allegedly aware of these crimes and, rather than intervening, played a role in concealing them — and in some cases exploiting them for intelligence purposes.

The Epstein Files and Royal Connections

The website The Grayzone reported on recently disclosed documents concerning Jeffrey Epstein, noting that this is not the first time British officials and intelligence agencies have been linked to major sexual misconduct scandals.

The report highlights the renewed scrutiny surrounding Prince Andrew, brother of Charles III and the third child of Elizabeth II, following the publication of a substantial cache of confidential Epstein files. The disclosures have once again placed the British monarchy under intense public attention.

The Kincora Boys’ Home Scandal

The Grayzone report goes on to examine the case of the Kincora Boys’ Home, where a large-scale child sexual abuse network allegedly operated under the cover of a residential care facility.

According to the report, Britain’s intelligence agencies — MI5 and MI6 — were aware of the abuse and were involved in the operation for purposes of blackmail and control, particularly targeting opponents of the British Crown.

The Kincora scandal first came to light in 1980, when it was revealed that the Belfast boys’ home had effectively been run by pedophiles as a covert hub of abuse. Among those accused in connection with the broader allegations was Lord Louis Mountbatten, a senior royal figure and great-uncle to Prince Andrew.

Victims’ Testimonies: Abuse and Threats of Silence

Journalist Chris Moore of the BBC published an extensive criminal investigation in May 2025 titled Kincora: Britain’s Shame, the result of more than four decades of direct research.

Moore argues that Kincora was not an isolated institution but part of a broader network of child abuse that extended across Northern Ireland during the period of British rule — and even beyond. According to his findings, London’s intelligence services were not merely aware of what was happening, but were complicit.

In 2023, Moore met Arthur Smyth, one of Kincora’s victims, in Australia. Though Smyth’s stay at the home was brief, the trauma he endured left permanent psychological scars.

Moore recounts that Smyth was sent to Kincora at the age of 11 by a Belfast divorce court judge. There, he was repeatedly abused by the men running the home and threatened into silence. He described being brutally raped by a man he knew only as “Dickie.”

In August 1979 — two years after escaping Kincora — Smyth learned that “Dickie” was allegedly Lord Louis Mountbatten, a member of the royal family and cousin to Queen Elizabeth II.

Police Inaction and Missing Files

Reports of sexual abuse at Kincora began surfacing only months after the home opened in 1958. Boys reported repeated assaults to adults and authorities. Over the following decades, police visited the institution numerous times and examined evidence of abuse. Yet despite repeated investigations, victims’ complaints were consistently dismissed.

Abuse reports escalated sharply in 1971, the year William McGrath — a prominent loyalist figure — assumed control of the home and took direct charge of the boys’ daily lives.

McGrath was described as a man with extensive connections across Northern Ireland and close ties to influential political figures. He was said to enjoy effective immunity from prosecution. He also led an armed Masonic-linked loyalist group known as Tara, which allegedly operated covertly with oversight from the British Army and functioned as an intelligence asset.

A police source told Moore that MI6 had shown interest in McGrath as early as the late 1950s and was aware of his activities.

The horrors at Kincora were finally exposed in January 1980, when The Irish Times published a report that prompted renewed police investigations.

Lenient Sentences and Destroyed Archives

In December 1981, Joseph Mains, William McGrath, Raymond Semple — a senior staff member — and three others were brought to trial. They were convicted of sexually abusing young boys at Kincora and at two other state-run care homes.

Despite testimony from more than 30 Kincora victims during the proceedings, the perpetrators received relatively light sentences ranging from four to six years in prison.

The Grayzone further reported that in 2020 it was revealed that a substantial archive of police investigations into Kincora, covering the years 1980 to 1983, had mysteriously disappeared. Even the surviving files, however, were said to point toward the involvement of Britain’s domestic and foreign intelligence services.

Suppressed Documentary and Surveillance of Journalists

In April 2021, the BBC produced a new historical documentary series linking the mysterious disappearance of numerous children in Belfast during the conflict years to the Kincora abuse case. A film titled The Lost Boys was reportedly pulled shortly before broadcast.

According to reports, BBC executives were shocked by the contents of the documents, particularly evidence suggesting MI5 involvement in concealing criminal evidence.

Moore concluded by alleging that for years the British government has illegally surveilled individuals seeking to uncover the truth about Kincora. Senior local police sources reportedly acknowledged that intelligence monitoring had targeted 320 journalists and 500 lawyers over the past decade.

en.jahanbanou.ir

From: yjc

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North America

Epstein Files Shake U.S. Universities

by خانم هاشمی

The latest release of documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein sexual scandal has triggered a wave of consequences across major U.S. universities — from removing faculty profiles and shuttering research centers to suspensions and resignations of academic figures whose names appear in the controversial financier’s correspondence.

Universities Under Scrutiny as Epstein Document Fallout Spreads

Nearly two weeks after the biggest batch of files related to Jeffrey Epstein was made public, media attention has focused on the names of several professors and academic figures who corresponded or interacted with him.

UCLA Removes Faculty Media Listing

At the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), officials removed the profile of Mark Tramo, an affiliated professor of neurology, from the university’s media expert listings. The move came after a petition calling for his removal gathered more than 6,000 signatures. University representatives have not publicly commented on the nature of his connections with Epstein.

Duke Shuts Down Research Centers

At Duke University, administrators closed three research centers, including the Center for Advanced Hindsight, which was led by business professor Dan Ariely. Ariely’s name appears hundreds of times in the Epstein documents; however, a university spokesperson said the closures were not tied to his relationship with Epstein. Ariely had addressed his interactions with Epstein in a student newspaper column shortly before the decision.

Yale Professor Suspended from Teaching

At Yale University, computer science professor David Gelernter has been temporarily relieved of his teaching duties. Gelernter, who has taught at Yale since the 1980s, defended himself against criticism over his correspondence with Epstein and said he does not regret describing the appearance of a female student in a 2011 email to Epstein. Yale spokespersons said he will not teach while the review process continues and that the university does not endorse his actions or letter-writing practices.

Arizona Cancels “Science of Consciousness” Conference

The University of Arizona canceled an upcoming Science of Consciousness conference that had been scheduled for April after some speakers and organizers — including an anesthesiology professor — were mentioned in the Epstein files. The professor said he was “deeply sorry” for having accepted Epstein’s financial support in 2017 and apologized to his victims.

At Bard College, the institution’s president wrote to the campus community explaining his interactions with Epstein, emphasizing that they were solely for fundraising purposes and that Epstein was never a personal friend. He described Epstein as “a highly deceptive and self-aggrandizing individual” who used ties to academic institutions to polish his public image.

Wider Leadership Impact Across Campuses

The repercussions have reached university leadership as well. A dean of arts at a New York institution resigned after his correspondence with Epstein came to light. Several university trustees have also faced pressure from the public or stepped down due to their ties.

What This Means for Higher Education

Overall, the release of these documents — which include millions of pages of emails and files — has reignited serious questions over how some academics connected with Epstein and how universities accept and manage philanthropic support. The unfolding impact shows that the reverberations from this case are still very much affecting the academic landscape in the U.S.

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From: SNN

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Community

Hind Al-Owais Named in Newly Released Jeffrey Epstein Emails

by خانم هاشمی

Newly released emails between Emirati diplomat Hind Al-Owais and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein have sparked global shock and intense scrutiny — particularly in the Arab world and international media.

Emails Reveal Unexpected Ties to Jeffrey Epstein

The release of archived emails involving Hind Al-Owais, a senior United Arab Emirates diplomat, and Jeffrey Epstein, the convicted American financier at the center of a global sex scandal, has triggered fresh controversy. The communications date back to 2010–2012, a period during which Al-Owais served in a senior diplomatic role at the UAE’s permanent mission to the United Nations in New York.

The emails, made public by the U.S. Department of Justice as part of the broader Epstein document release, include phrases that many commentators have described as “unusual” or outside typical diplomatic language, such as references to “girls” and arranging times to meet.

Who Is Hind Al-Owais?

Hind Al-Owais is known as one of the first Emirati women to hold a senior diplomatic posting at the United Nations in New York. In her official work, she has been involved in international discussions on development, gender equality and the role of Arab states in global decision-making.

At the time of the emails, she was serving in the UAE mission to the United Nations and later became Director of the UAE Permanent Committee for Human Rights — a position she held when the correspondence came to light.

Despite headlines focusing on the unusual tone of some messages, there has been no criminal charge or legal action announced against Al-Owais. Multiple news outlets have emphasized that being named in the released documents does not itself prove guilt or illegal conduct.

Content of the Correspondence: What Was Revealed

Among the messages now public, one email from January 2012 attributed to Al-Owais reads: “Getting one girl ready is difficult enough; two girls, you can certainly call it a challenge…” followed by a response from Epstein inviting them to meet at a specific time.

Other reporting notes references in the documents to arranging social meetings and possible introductions, including mention of her sister — comments that have drawn scrutiny due to Epstein’s notorious criminal history.

The context and meaning of the exchanges are widely debated, with some analysts warning against drawing definitive conclusions without fuller context.

Media and Public Reaction

International and Arab media outlets have examined the wording of the emails, describing parts as “unconventional” for a diplomat and highlighting the sensitive nature of references to “girls.” At the same time, journalists and experts have noted that being included in the files does not, by itself, equate to criminal wrongdoing.

The publication of the documents has reignited discussion about the scope and reach of Epstein’s connections with elite individuals and institutions worldwide.

en.jahanbanou.ir

From: Fars

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Europe

Charles III Protects UK Monarchy Amid Andrew‑Epstein Scandal

by خانم هاشمی

After renewed controversy tied to Jeffrey Epstein, the former Prince Andrew has left his longtime royal residence and moved to a private home on the Sandringham Estate — in a decision driven by King Charles III to safeguard the crown.

Royal Fallout: Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor Leaves Windsor for Sandringham

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor — formerly known as Prince Andrew, Duke of York — has vacated his long-held residence at Royal Lodge near Windsor Castle after more than 20 years. The move comes amid a fresh wave of scrutiny over his ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and newly published documents related to that scandal.

In the last few weeks, removal vans were seen at Royal Lodge as the 65-year-old prepared to leave, and he is now living at Wood Farm Cottage on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk. His relocation was completed earlier than originally planned, reportedly under direct orders from his brother, King Charles III.

A Royal House Reduced: Titles Removed and Reputation Tarnished

In late 2025, Buckingham Palace officially removed Andrew’s princely title and the style “His Royal Highness.” From that point on, he has been known simply as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.

This marked an extraordinary break with tradition and reflected the intense reputational damage caused by his association with Epstein. Andrew has denied illegal conduct but continues to face public and legal pressure.

Why the Move? King Charles’ Strategy to Contain a Crisis

According to palace sources, King Charles’s decision to relocate his brother was not a personal whim, but a calculated step to limit further harm to the monarchy’s public standing. The move to Sandringham aims to keep Andrew out of the spotlight and under closer control, after a series of reopened controversies stunned the royal household.

Rather than leaving Andrew homeless or financially unsupported, Charles is providing funds privately for his housing — a strategy seen as necessary to balance family obligation with public accountability.

Life at Sandringham: Temporary Home and Future Plans

At present, Andrew is staying at Wood Farm Cottage, a modest residence on Sandringham. Plans are underway to move him into a renovated farmhouse called Marsh Farm, also on the estate, once repairs are complete — possibly by April.

This new home is a significant downgrade from Royal Lodge, where he once enjoyed 30 rooms and a prestigious position in the royal landscape.

Public and Family Reactions: Wider Royal Repercussions

The ongoing saga has rippled beyond Andrew himself. Senior royals, including Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, have publicly expressed concern for the victims of Epstein’s abuse network, reflecting efforts by the monarchy to shift the narrative and reaffirm compassion toward survivors.

Meanwhile, staff at Sandringham have reportedly been reluctant to serve Andrew in his new role, underscoring the depth of his fall from royal grace.

en.jahanbanou.ir

From: Tasnimnews

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West Asia

Turkish Girls and the Epstein “Death Island” Claims

by خانم هاشمی

Allegations spur investigation by Ankara prosecutors into possible links to Jeffrey Epstein scandal

A number of foreign media reports claim that Turkey allegedly trafficked thousands of underage children to Jeffrey Epstein’s island in exchange for large sums of money. These claims have prompted a formal legal response in Turkey as officials begin inquiries into whether Turkish minors were involved in the broader Epstein case.

Allegations of Child Trafficking to Epstein’s Island

According to reports, thousands of Turkish children — many from low-income backgrounds or areas affected by natural disasters — were sold and flown out on private planes to the notorious Epstein island for exploitation.

Media outlets circulated claims that up to $200 million was paid in the process, and that many of the children were recorded with notes stating that “they did not speak English.”

Note: Independent international reporting confirms that new documents related to the Epstein files reference minors from Turkey among other countries, but do not independently verify the specific claim of state-level sale of children for money.

Ankara Prosecutors Open Investigation

In response to the allegations, the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office has launched an investigation into potential connections between Turkey and Jeffrey Epstein’s trafficking network. This move comes as the Epstein scandal remains a global news topic.

Prosecutors say the goal is to identify Turkish children who may have been transported and to begin legal proceedings against any suspects once the facts are established.

Turkish authorities are reportedly focusing on the original sources of the current claims in Epstein-related documents, which include allegations of international trafficking and sexual abuse.

Digital files supposedly linked to alleged victims in Turkey have been added to the evidence to help identify what happened and determine the legal steps forward.

The prosecutor’s office states that it is carefully managing the process of beginning public prosecution based on the evidence at hand.

Epstein Case Worldwide

Jeffrey Edward Epstein was an American financier who faced extensive federal charges for running a network that involved trafficking and sexual abuse of minors. He died in a New York jail cell in 2019 while awaiting trial.

In late 2025 and early 2026, the U.S. Department of Justice released portions of his case files, which have ignited renewed global attention and a surge of reporting on alleged connections in various countries.

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Europe

Son of Norway’s Crown Princess Faces Court on 38 Charges

by خانم هاشمی

High-profile Oslo trial opens amid accusations of rape, assault, drug offences and ties to broader royal controversies

The trial of Marius Borg Høiby, the 29-year-old son of Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit, has begun in Oslo, drawing intense national and international attention. Høiby has been indicted on 38 criminal counts, including multiple allegations of rape, assault, and drug-related offences, in what has quickly become one of the most controversial legal cases involving the Norwegian royal family in recent decades.

A Courtroom Drama Unfolds in Oslo

In the Oslo District Court, Høiby appeared at the start of proceedings that are expected to run through March 19, 2026. The charges against him cover a wide range of allegations, including four counts of rape, domestic abuse, assault, threatening behaviour, and drug-related offences.

Høiby has pleaded not guilty to the most serious accusations of sexual violence. Court proceedings include testimony from multiple alleged victims, and prosecutors have said he could face up to a decade or more in prison if convicted on the most serious counts.

The Allegations at a Glance

According to official reports:

  • The 38 charges include alleged rape of four women, some claims that an alleged victim was incapacitated at the time of assault.
  • Other allegations involve threats with a knife, repeated physical and psychological violence, and violations of restraining orders.
  • Prosecutors also allege drug offences, including transporting large quantities of cannabis.
  • Several accusations date back to 2018, with the most recent alleged incidents occurring as late as 2024.

Høiby has admitted guilt for some lesser charges — including certain assaults and drug possession — but denies the most serious accusations.

A Trial Under Media Scrutiny

The case has drawn extensive media attention across Norway and beyond, with dozens of outlets covering the proceedings. Court restrictions mean some testimony is heard behind partial closures to protect privacy, while public sessions remain open to journalists.

Prosecutors have emphasised that Høiby is being treated like any other defendant under Norwegian law, despite his high-profile family background.

Royal Family Response and Wider Context

Although Høiby is the son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit, he holds no royal title or official role and is not in the line of succession.

Both Crown Princess Mette-Marit and her husband, Crown Prince Haakon, have said they will not attend the trial in person, and the Royal Household has pledged not to comment publicly during the proceedings.

The trial comes at a delicate moment for the Norwegian monarchy, following scrutiny of Mette-Marit’s past associations with convicted American sex offender Jeffrey Epstein — a matter she has publicly regretted — which has added to the spotlight on the family.

What Happens Next?

The court has scheduled the sessions over the coming weeks, with final verdicts expected several weeks after the March hearings conclude.

This case continues to dominate headlines and public debate in Norway, raising questions about justice, privilege, and the responsibilities of public figures’ family members in contemporary society.

en.jahanbanou.ir

From: Reuters

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opinion

After Epstein, Who Still Defends Women’s Rights?

by خانم هاشمی

The Epstein case is not just exposure of a sexual corruption network — it reveals the true relationship between liberal democracy and women’s right.

✍|by: M. Akhavan Qods

The Jeffrey Epstein case isn’t merely a scandal about abuse and corruption. It has become a mirror showing the harsh truth of the liberal discourse on “women’s rights.” For years, defenders of women, freedom, and human dignity stood on stage — until the raw link between power, wealth, and sexual exploitation shattered that very image.

If these movements were truly defenders of women’s rights, where is their voice now? Where are the international organizations? The celebrities who once cut their hair in protest for an Iranian Kurdish girl — why are they silent today? Where is Jennifer Lopez saying, “I won’t work anymore”?

This silence is not accidental or born of ignorance — it is a political choice. A choice that shows that “women’s rights” in liberal logic is not a universal value, but a tool for pressure, narrative control, and intervention.

Women are only seen when they fit a narrative that suits those in power. Otherwise, even if they are victims of organized abuse networks, they are ignored.

Today, more than ever, the world must rise for genuine global defense of women’s rights — not built on bodies, markets, or performance, but on dignity, justice, and humanity.

After Epstein, silence is no longer neutrality — it is complicity.

Notes on the Epstein Case

In December and January, the U.S. Department of Justice began releasing millions of internal files related to Jeffrey Epstein, revealing more about his network and connections, though most documents remain unreleased and several redaction errors exposed sensitive victim information.

Revelations from these files have renewed political fallout internationally, including calls for cooperation from powerful figures allegedly tied to Epstein’s network and ongoing scrutiny of how influential individuals interacted with him.

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