Release unredacted Epstein documents or explain why: US judge

Release unredacted Epstein documents or explain why: US judge

A US federal judge has ordered the Justice Department to either release unredacted versions of key documents related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein or explain why they can't be disclosed.

The ruling was issued by US District Judge Emmet Sullivan on Thursday in a lawsuit accusing Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche of improperly redacting important information under a federal law.

Judge orders Justice Department to release unredacted Epstein documents

Judge Sullivan has directed the Justice Department to either release unredacted versions of several Epstein-related documents or explain why they should remain redacted.

The ruling also requires the department to release interview notes underlying several FBI documents summarizing unverified allegations involving President Donald Trump, or explain their non-disclosure.

Further, it mandates a detailed log identifying every redaction made in the released Epstein files as per federal law.

Documents include emails and draft indictment

The documents in question include eight emails with either the sender or recipient's name redacted, a draft indictment against Epstein with potential co-conspirators' names blacked out, and a 2019 email mentioning several alleged co-conspirators whose names are still hidden.

One of the disputed emails refers to a "torture video" has drawn special attention after lawmakers questioned why the recipient's identity was withheld.