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 West Virginia congressman, 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 other than those exempt from disclosure.
In contrast with the situation in the US, the UK was 'the only place that we're seeing arrests,' Massie said, mentioning recent arrests related to Epstein scandals. He pointed out the irony that the US sought independence for justice, yet the UK is actively making arrests.
Following several document drops in the US, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Lord Peter Mandelson were arrested in the UK on suspicion of misconduct linked to Epstein. Both have denied wrongdoing and are cooperating with investigations.
Massie believes the DOJ should share unredacted material with London’s Metropolitan Police and emphasized the importance of such cooperation following public outcry for accountability. He reiterated his desire to see documents related to Epstein’s 2008 plea deal, claiming some files may have been inappropriately redacted.
Highlighting the powerful narratives of Epstein’s survivors, Massie reflected on interviews conducted on the same program, where survivors recounted their experiences with him. He noted the stark power disparity between Epstein and his victims, stating, 'When you see how young they were, you realize the asymmetry of the power there.'
