Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell signals silence unless pardoned by Trump

Ghislaine Maxwell, a close associate of disgraced US financier Jeffrey Epstein who was convicted for crimes involving minors, has told members of Congress that she will only speak if President Donald Trump announces a pardon for her.

President Trump has so far avoided giving a clear response on the question of a pardon. Maxwell was sentenced in 2021 after being found guilty of helping Epstein traffic underage girls for sexual exploitation.

She is currently serving her sentence in a Texas prison.

Meanwhile, following the release of the Epstein files, the name of the Dalai Lama has also surfaced, prompting an explanation from the Buddhist spiritual leader.

The disclosure of the Epstein files has triggered a fresh political storm in the United Kingdom as well.

Controversy has intensified after links between former British ambassador Peter Mandelson and Epstein came to light.

It is worth recalling that Jeffrey Epstein was convicted in 2008 for soliciting a minor for prostitution.

In 2019, he died by suicide in prison while facing federal charges related to sex trafficking.

The latest US documents linked to Epstein have revealed the names of several influential and well-known figures.

As a result, some individuals have stepped down from their positions, while others are facing official investigations and public scrutiny.