"From the outset, the Epstein affair has offered a textbook example of the ability of the influential and well-connected to avoid scrutiny and intimidate those who would exert it. A ruthless pursuit of transparency, both institutional and personal, is the only way to combat such tactics and hold power to account. In the extraordinary days following the release of further Epstein files last week, the wheels of justice in Britain are belatedly beginning to turn on that basis."
"Allegations that Peter Mandelson leaked Downing Street emails and market-sensitive information to Epstein, a convicted sex offender, following the financial crash, have now led to a criminal investigation. Wednesday's events in the House of Commons showed that they have also unleashed a Westminster scandal which threatens to engulf Sir Keir Starmer's premiership. The prime minister's political future may rest on his ability to convince MPs that he is being transparent over the fateful decision to make Peter Mandelson the UK's ambassador in Washington."
"Mr Gates has vehemently dismissed lurid claims about him in the latest tranche of files as false. But the broader significance of the drop has been to confirm the extent to which a wealthy, powerful elite chose self-interestedly to associate with Epstein long after his conviction. The billionaire venture capitalist Peter Thiel, for example, was in contact with Epstein, and reportedly an investment firm he co-founded accepted $40m from him."
Released Epstein files reveal extensive ties between Jeffrey Epstein and wealthy, influential figures who continued contact after his conviction, undermining justice and enabling abuse. The documents have prompted criminal inquiries in Britain over allegations that Peter Mandelson passed Downing Street emails and market-sensitive information to Epstein, triggering a Westminster scandal that endangers Sir Keir Starmer's premiership amid questions about transparency over Mandelson's Washington appointment. In the US, public figures including Bill Gates have denied lurid claims, while the material confirms elite individuals such as Peter Thiel maintained associations and that an investment firm he co-founded reportedly accepted $40m from Epstein.
Read at www.theguardian.com
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]