Rep. James Comer (R-KY), chair of the House Oversight Committee, declined to take a position on Ghislaine Maxwell’s request for clemency before testifying publicly. Maxwell, a convicted associate of Jeffrey Epstein, and her legal team have indicated she would testify only if granted clemency. Comer noted that the committee previously considered granting her immunity but did not pursue it after consulting with survivors.
The comments came after Maxwell invoked her Fifth Amendment right during a closed-door video deposition. Comer emphasized that any decision on clemency would be up to the president, not the committee.
**Why this matters**
Maxwell’s testimony could provide important information about Epstein’s criminal activities and others involved. The question of clemency raises legal and ethical issues about accountability and the conditions under which witnesses cooperate with investigations. The House Oversight Committee’s handling of this matter reflects broader concerns about transparency and justice in high-profile cases.
Source: NewsData