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Newly released files related to the late Jeffrey Epstein are prompting calls for a deeper investigation into potential crimes against humanity, according to a panel of independent experts appointed by the United Nations human rights council. The experts allege a “global criminal enterprise” underpinned Epstein’s decades-long abuse, characterized by systemic exploitation and a disturbing disregard for human dignity.

The assessment, released Wednesday, centers on documents made public by the U.S. Justice Department following a law passed by Congress in November requiring full disclosure of Epstein-related materials. The UN experts contend that the scale and nature of the alleged crimes, coupled with evidence of supremacist beliefs, racism, corruption, and extreme misogyny, warrant scrutiny under international law. The core allegation is that Epstein’s network engaged in the commodification and dehumanization of women and girls, potentially reaching the threshold of crimes against humanity.

UN Experts Demand Independent Investigation

The UN experts emphasized the require for a thorough, impartial investigation into the allegations contained within the released files. They also called for an inquiry into how such extensive criminal activity could have persisted for so long. “So grave is the scale, nature, systematic character, and transnational reach of these atrocities against women and girls, that a number of them may reasonably meet the legal threshold of crimes against humanity,” they stated. The Justice Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the UN’s call for further investigation.

The released documents have already begun to reveal Epstein’s extensive network of associates in various sectors, including politics, finance, academia, and business. These connections span both before and after his 2008 guilty plea to prostitution charges, which included soliciting an underage girl. Epstein was later arrested on federal charges of sex trafficking of minors in 2019, but was found dead in his jail cell before the case could proceed; his death was ruled a suicide.

Concerns Over Redactions and Victim Trauma

Beyond the potential for criminal charges, the UN experts also raised serious concerns about the handling of the released files themselves. They highlighted “serious compliance failures and botched redactions” that resulted in the exposure of sensitive information about victims. More than 1,200 victims have been identified in the documents released to date, according to reports.

The experts noted that the lack of full disclosure and thorough investigation has left many survivors feeling retraumatized and subjected to what they describe as “institutional gaslighting.” This refers to a form of psychological manipulation where survivors are made to question their own experiences and perceptions.

Epstein’s Network and Broader Implications

The unfolding revelations surrounding Epstein’s case continue to have significant repercussions. The release of these files has already triggered a wave of resignations and investigations, as individuals connected to Epstein face scrutiny over their past dealings. The Washington Post reported on this wave of fallout, highlighting the growing pressure on those linked to the convicted sex offender.

The UN experts’ statement underscores the potential for this case to extend beyond individual criminal accountability and into the realm of international law. If the allegations are substantiated, they could be classified as crimes against humanity, triggering obligations for states to investigate and prosecute those responsible.

The full implications of the Epstein files are still unfolding, and further investigation is expected to reveal more about the extent of his network and the nature of the crimes committed. The focus now shifts to whether authorities will heed the UN experts’ call for a comprehensive and independent inquiry.

What are your thoughts on the UN’s call for investigation? Share your comments below, and please share this article with others.

Los Angeles – A search and rescue operation is underway in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains after an avalanche struck a backcountry slope near Castle Peak on Tuesday, leaving nine skiers missing and six others rescued, authorities said.

The avalanche occurred around 11:30 a.m. Local time, engulfing a group of 15 skiers, according to the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office. Six skiers were rescued Tuesday evening, with two transported to a hospital for treatment, the Sheriff’s Office stated. The remaining nine skiers are still missing as of Wednesday morning.

Captain Russell Greene of the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office described the rescue effort as “slow and tedious” due to continued high avalanche danger and hazardous weather conditions. “They too have to be very careful accessing the area due to the fact that the avalanche danger is still very high,” Greene said in a statement.

The Sierra Avalanche Center had issued an avalanche warning for the Central Sierra Nevada Mountains prior to the incident, noting “widespread areas of unstable snow” and the potential for large avalanches that could travel through treed areas. The warning remained in effect Wednesday.

Heavy snowfall and high winds have hampered the search, with Interstate 80 remaining closed at the summit of Castle Peak. Over two feet of snow has fallen in the Sierra Nevada, creating difficult travel conditions.

The group involved consisted of ski guides and clients, though the exact breakdown of how many were guides versus clients remained unclear Wednesday. Rescuers were dispatched from Boreal Mountain Ski Resort and Tahoe Donner’s Alder Creek Adventure Centre.

The survivors were able to communicate with rescuers via radio beacon and text messaging, and had constructed a makeshift shelter using tarpaulin sheets, according to Greene. Their condition was not immediately known.

California Governor Gavin Newsom has been briefed on the situation, and state authorities are coordinating with local emergency teams in an “all-hands search-and-rescue effort,” according to a statement from the governor’s office.

The incident comes amid similar avalanche events in the French Alps this week. On Tuesday, two separate avalanches in France killed three people and injured four others, with two of the injured in serious condition. A large slide in Valloire prompted a four-hour rescue operation before being halted due to continued avalanche risk, while two skiers died in an off-piste avalanche in La Grave.

Munich – U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance’s sharp critique of Europe, initially delivered at the Munich Security Conference in February 2025, continues to reverberate across the continent, sparking debate about the future of transatlantic relations and the internal challenges facing European nations. Vance’s assessment, focusing on concerns about free speech, immigration, and perceived democratic shortcomings, has prompted both condemnation and, among some observers, a degree of reluctant agreement. The core of the debate centers on whether Europe is adequately addressing its own internal vulnerabilities while navigating a complex geopolitical landscape.

The initial speech, described as one of “unprecedented hostility” toward European governments, ignited a firestorm of criticism from European leaders. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius reportedly exclaimed “This is unacceptable!” during Vance’s address, according to USA Today. But, the concerns raised by Vance tap into existing anxieties within Europe about its own direction and its ability to maintain a unified front in the face of external pressures. The central argument, as outlined in Vance’s remarks, is that Europe’s retreat from “fundamental values” poses a greater threat than external actors like Russia or China.

The Core of Vance’s Critique

Vance’s criticism, as reported by Imprimis, centered on the assertion that Europe has become hostile to free speech and, to democracy itself. He specifically pointed to the persistent gap between voter preferences regarding immigration and actual immigration policies over the past 50 years as evidence of this democratic disconnect. This observation resonated with a segment of the European population that feels their concerns are not adequately addressed by established political elites. Vance framed this situation as mirroring challenges within the United States, where a similar divide exists between “populists” and “elites,” though the dynamic differs in Europe, where populist movements have had less electoral success, currently holding power only in Italy, Slovakia, and Hungary.

The vice president’s concerns extend beyond immigration. He also questioned Europe’s commitment to free speech, suggesting that restrictions on expression are becoming increasingly common. This claim, while not detailed with specific examples in available reports, aligns with concerns raised by some observers about the rise of speech regulations in certain European countries. The implication is that these restrictions stifle open debate and undermine the foundations of a healthy democracy.

A Year Later: Shifting Dynamics and U.S. Reassurance

One year after Vance’s initial speech, the atmosphere at the Munich Security Conference in February 2026 was markedly different. Secretary of State Marco Rubio sought to mend fences, emphasizing the enduring ties between the U.S. And Europe. Rubio stated, “The United States and Europe belong together,” and affirmed that “for us Americans, our home may be in the Western Hemisphere, but we will always be a child of Europe,” as reported by USA Today. This shift in tone suggests an attempt by the Trump administration to reassure European allies following Vance’s earlier, more confrontational approach.

However, Rubio also signaled a desire for change in the transatlantic relationship, indicating that the administration wants European countries to collaborate with the U.S. In fresh ways. The specifics of these desired changes remain unclear, but the message suggests a push for greater alignment on key policy issues. This comes after Vance’s initial assessment that the biggest threat to Europe wasn’t external powers, but internal issues.

European Reactions and Internal Divisions

The initial reaction to Vance’s speech in February 2025 was one of shock and dismay, with one German diplomat, Christoph Heusgen, visibly emotional during the address, fearing a breakdown in shared values between the U.S. And Europe, as detailed in Le Monde. The speech highlighted existing tensions within Europe itself, particularly regarding immigration and the rise of nationalist parties. As noted by Imprimis, the Alternative for Germany (AfD), an anti-immigration party, has gained significant traction in German politics, becoming the country’s second-largest political force.

The situation reflects a broader trend across Europe, where populist movements are challenging the established political order. While these movements have achieved limited electoral success in many countries, they represent a significant force in shaping the political debate and influencing policy decisions. The internal divisions within Europe, coupled with Vance’s criticisms, raise questions about the continent’s ability to present a united front on the international stage.

Looking Ahead

The long-term implications of Vance’s critique and the subsequent efforts to recalibrate the transatlantic relationship remain to be seen. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether the U.S. And Europe can overcome their differences and forge a more constructive partnership. The focus will likely be on finding common ground on issues such as defense spending, trade, and security cooperation. The evolving geopolitical landscape, particularly the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the rise of China, will further shape the dynamics between the U.S. And Europe. Continued dialogue and a willingness to address mutual concerns will be essential for maintaining a strong and stable transatlantic alliance.

What are your thoughts on the future of US-European relations? Share your perspectives in the comments below.