FLASH
Shkruar nga Pamfleti
A US congressional panel has released a redacted copy of Jeffrey Epstein's so-called "birthday book", donated for his 50th birthday in 2003. The 238-page document, accompanied by a series of other materials from his personal file, includes his will, address books and a non-prosecution agreement signed by him.
Epstein, the financier closely connected to the worlds of politics, business and showbiz, convicted as a sex offender, was found dead in prison in 2019 while awaiting trial for sex trafficking.
What does the “birthday book” contain?
The book contains hundreds of messages and photos from Epstein's friends, divided into categories such as "friends," "business," "science" and "Brooklyn." Names under the categories "family" and "girlfriends" are hidden.
According to reports, there is also a letter that bears a signature similar to that of former US President Donald Trump. The message, accompanied by a sketch of a woman's body, ends with the line:
"A friend is a wonderful thing. Happy birthday – and may every day be another wonderful secret."
Trump has categorically denied writing or signing the letter. The White House said that "the president did not draw this picture and did not sign this note."
The book also contains:
-A message attributed to Bill Clinton, describing Epstein as a man with “childlike curiosity” and “a will to make a difference.” His office has not commented.
-A note from Lord Peter Mandelson, the current British ambassador to the US, calling Epstein his “best friend” and accompanying the words with several photographs. Mandelson’s office said he “has long expressed regret for his acquaintance with Epstein.”
-A testimony from a woman who says she met Prince Andrew, Clinton and Trump through Epstein, even entered the private apartments of Buckingham Palace and “stood on the Queen’s throne.” Prince Andrew has denied any wrongdoing.
Why was it published now?
The House Oversight Committee last month issued a subpoena to the executors of Epstein's estate to turn over key documents, including the birthday book. Attorneys for the estate then turned over the files, which were made public this week.
In addition to the book, the following were also made public:
-Epstein's will
-Address book entries (1990–2019)
-A non-prosecution agreement signed by him
Political reactions in the US
The publication immediately sparked controversy in Washington. The committee chairman, Republican James Comer, accused Democrats of "politicizing the Epstein files."
Vice President JD Vance called the allegations against Trump a “fake scandal to smear him with lies.” Democrats on the committee, on the other hand, demanded full transparency. Congressman Robert Garcia wrote: “We finally got the Epstein memo that Trump says doesn’t exist.”
Democratic Rep. Jasmine Crockett called for the full, uncensored release of the files: "Survivors deserve justice, and the American people deserve to know the truth."
The Epstein Files and the Trump Dilemma
The Epstein files have also become a political test for the Trump administration. The president, once rumored for his early friendship with Epstein in the 1990s and 2000s, had promised during the 2024 campaign that he would allow more transparency. But this summer he changed course: The Justice Department and the FBI banned further releases, while Trump declared that “the case is closed” – disappointing even part of his Republican base.
A dossier that continues to stir world politics
The publication of the birthday book adds to a series of revelations that highlight Epstein's powerful network of connections with the world of the global elite: politicians, aristocracy, businessmen, scientists and showbiz figures.
Although none of the names mentioned have been accused of any legal wrongdoing, the fact that such figures have left messages for a person convicted of child sex trafficking continues to cast dark shadows over their image. / BBC
Lini një Përgjigje