Ghislaine Maxwell, a partner of Jeffrey Epstein, is set to be interrogated privately by the US Congress on Monday. It is anticipated that she will refuse to answer questions during the session. Maxwell, who is currently serving a 20-year sentence for involvement in trafficking girls to Epstein, will participate in the deposition via videolink from prison, under the House of Representatives’ Oversight Committee.
While the recent release of government documents on Epstein is not likely to lead to new prosecutions in the US, several political and business figures have faced scandal or resignation due to their connections with the convicted sex offender. The House Oversight Committee is investigating Epstein’s relationships with influential individuals and the handling of information related to his criminal activities.
Maxwell is expected to exercise her right against self-incrimination, as provided by the Fifth Amendment of the US Constitution. Epstein, who was convicted in 2008 for soliciting a minor, had extensive associations with prominent figures globally, leading to significant political repercussions.
Maxwell’s legal team has requested legal immunity for her testimony in the deposition, which was denied by lawmakers. In the absence of immunity, Maxwell’s lawyers stated that she would assert her Fifth Amendment privilege. They argued that proceeding under these circumstances would only serve as political theater.
The Trump administration faced criticism for its involvement in Maxwell’s case. Maxwell was transferred to a minimum-security facility in Texas last year after meetings with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, who had ties to former President Donald Trump. Although Trump had a longstanding relationship with Epstein, he has not been summoned to testify by the Oversight Committee, which is controlled by Republican members.
Former President Bill Clinton and his wife, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, both Democrats, are also expected to be questioned by the committee. The Clintons have requested public depositions to prevent their testimony from being politicized by Republicans.
