Release of Epstein files sparks fury

Victims take issue with heavy redaction

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A credenza covered in photographs in a home of Jeffrey Epstein in an undated photo released by the US Department of Justice on Friday.NYT

Victims of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein expressed anger on Saturday after a long-awaited release of records related to cases against him was made public with many pages heavily redacted and images censored.

The cache of material released by the US Justice Department included photographs of former president Bill Clinton and other prominent figures in Epstein’s social circle, including Mick Jagger and Michael Jackson.

However, extensive redactions — combined with the handling of the release by officials under President Donald Trump's administration — fuelled allegations of a high-level cover-up.

Democrats demanded explanations after an image that had included a photograph of Mr Trump was no longer visible in the Justice Department's online release.

“If they're taking this down, just imagine how much more they're trying to hide,” Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said. “This could be one of the biggest cover-ups in American history.”