US House Democrats accuse Justice Department of exposing Epstein survivors’ identities

​​​​​​​By Diyar Guldogan

WASHINGTON (AA) - US Democratic lawmakers on the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform on Friday accused the Justice Department of unlawfully exposing the identities of survivors of Jeffrey Epstein’s sexual abuse.

In a letter sent to Attorney General Pam Bondi, a total of 21 lawmakers said the department’s recent release of Epstein-related documents revealed the names, photographs and other personally identifying information of dozens of survivors, including minors, exacerbating trauma and putting victims at risk.

The lawmakers described the disclosures as “shocking” and said the department failed to properly redact sensitive information despite having a comprehensive list of victims and repeatedly assuring survivors, the courts and the public that their privacy would be protected.

"Multiple victims have since had their names spread on social media and across the internet, some of whom report being the targets of online harassment since the documents became public," they wrote.

The committee is demanding that the department provide documents and explanations by Feb. 20, including details on how the disclosures occurred, how many complaints were received from survivors, what steps were taken to remedy the exposure, and all records related to the department’s review and redaction process.

Epstein was found dead in his New York City jail cell in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. In 2008, he pleaded guilty in a court in the state of Florida of procuring a minor for prostitution, but critics call the relatively minor conviction a “sweetheart deal.”

His victims have alleged that he operated a sprawling sex trafficking network that was used by members of the wealthy and political elite.