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IPFS News Link • Courtroom and Trials

Epstein's Accusers Testify in Court in Wake of His Death

• https://www.theepochtimes.com

NEW YORK—Dozens of Jeffrey Epstein's accusers—many allegedly abused when they were teenagers—testified in a Manhattan courtroom on Aug. 27 after federal prosecutors asked the judge to formally dismiss their case against the now-deceased financier.

The accusers, speaking one after another often through tears and trembling voices, testified about their reactions to Epstein's suicide and spoke about how they first met the man. Many described how their lives were turned into a spiral of disarray and suffering after they were sexually abused by Epstein, who prosecutors say exploited and abused dozens of minor girls at his different residences.

Sixteen women testified in person to the court; some gave their names, others preferred to remain anonymous. Lawyers also read statements from seven other women who couldn't, or didn't want to speak publicly.

The hearing, which lasted for more than two hours, was a dramatic scene that occurred just weeks after Epstein killed himself in his cell. Epstein's lawyers have said previously they are "not satisfied" with the autopsy results and have vowed to conduct their own investigation into his death.

U.S. District Judge Richard Berman described the hearing as "remarkable" in his final remarks to the court, following the testimonies.

Berman said he believed everyone had "benefited greatly" from listening to the accusers. The judge said he decided to give the victims a chance to testify, because of their "relevant experiences."

Attorney General William Barr previously said that both the FBI and the Department of Justice's inspector general were opening investigations into Epstein's death.


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