Ex-Prince Andrew Arrested in US Amid Calls for Epstein Accountability

US Lawmakers Urge Trump Administration to Pursue Justice for Victims in Epstein Case

Washington, DC - The arrest of former British royal Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has sparked renewed calls for accountability in the case of Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender who died in jail in 2019. Reem Alsalem, the United Nations special rapporteur on violence against women and girls, has urged independent investigations into individuals and institutions that may have enabled or facilitated Epstein’s crimes.

Mountbatten-Windsor was detained by police in the UK on Thursday, with authorities opening an investigation into possible misconduct in public office. The arrest comes weeks after the release of US government documents related to the case, which showed deep ties between Mountbatten-Windsor and Epstein. Some exchanges suggested that Mountbatten-Windsor shared government information with Epstein.

The US government has released millions of files related to Epstein over the past two months, including emails and text messages. These documents revealed that Epstein maintained friendships and business relations with wealthy and powerful people worldwide. Some documents also suggested that associates of Epstein participated in or were aware of his sex abuse ring.

US Congressman Thomas Massie has called on FBI Director Kash Patel and Attorney General Pam Bondi to act and bring those involved in Epstein’s sex abuse to justice. Massie stated that the release of the files was a crucial step towards achieving justice, but emphasized that it is not yet clear whether the bill has been successful.

Alsalem criticized Deputy US Attorney General Todd Blanche for his comments on the case, which she described as dismissive of the victims and their experiences. The UN expert stressed the need for thorough investigations into individuals and institutions involved in Epstein’s crimes.

The case remains ongoing, with many questions still unanswered about the extent of Epstein’s networks and the involvement of those who may have enabled or facilitated his crimes.

Source: Al Jazeera