Congress Maxwell criticised for refusing to answer questions

Ghislaine Maxwell refused to answer questions during a closed-door congressional deposition yesterday, prompting criticism from a US congressman backing efforts to release Jeffrey Epstein investigative files.

- Victoria Bekiempis

Robert Garcia, a member of the committee on oversight and government reform, said that Maxwell had invoked the fifth amendment and refused to testify during her scheduled deposition. Maxwell’s attorney, David Oscar Markus, also said she had invoked her fifth amendment right.

Garcia, a California Democrat, said: “After months of defying our subpoena, Ghislaine Maxwell finally appeared before the oversight committee and said nothing.

“She answered no questions and provided no information about the men who raped and trafficked women and girls. Who is she protecting? And we need to know why she’s been given special treatment at a low-security prison by the Trump administration. We are going to end this White House cover-up.”

The White House was approached for comment.

Maxwell, who was convicted of luring teen girls into Epstein’s abusive orbit, is serving a 20-year sentence.