Annie Farmer, who testified that she was sexually abused by Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell when she was 16 years previous, mentioned Congress’ vote on the Epstein information “looks like a victory, a protracted overdue victory.”
Each chambers of Congress handed a invoice that may drive the discharge of the Justice Division’s Epstein information following President Trump’s signature.
Farmer mentioned she believes the information include data “that we now have not heard earlier than.”
“By way of names of people who not solely participated in these crimes however the people who enabled the crimes and the people who funded the crimes,” she advised “CBS Mornings” on Wednesday.
The Senate unanimously accredited the Epstein Recordsdata Transparency Act to compel the paperwork launch, following the Home’s 427 to 1 vote. The passage comes after months of opposition by many Republicans, together with Mr. Trump, who just lately modified his stance.
“I feel that they felt stress to get on the suitable facet of historical past right here as a result of it was changing into so clear that this wasn’t going away, that individuals cared about it,” Farmer mentioned.
“I really feel hopeful”
Now, Farmer is eager for transparency, including Tuesday’s second was bittersweet due to what it took to get there.
“I really feel hopeful not as a result of I’ve a whole lot of belief within the political course of, however due to what I’ve seen, what is feasible when folks come collectively and demand one thing and stress is positioned by the American folks right here,” she mentioned. “I recognize everybody who spoke out about this.”
However she admitted she nonetheless has issues about getting full transparency.
Farmer’s sister, Maria, who can also be a survivor of Epstein’s abuse and was one of many first in 1996 to report it to legislation enforcement, has made Freedom of Data Act requests for paperwork associated to investigations of Epstein through the years.
“The issues which have been launched have been closely redacted and, subsequently, you understand, actually not very useful,” Farmer mentioned.
Earlier this month, Mr. Trump requested the Division of Justice to research Epstein’s ties to distinguished Democrats, although the FBI mentioned over the summer season that they’d carried out an “exhaustive evaluate” of Epstein-related supplies and “didn’t uncover proof that might predicate an investigation in opposition to uncharged third events.”
“So these information ought to be accessible now. They shouldn’t be tied up in any form of investigation,” she mentioned. “However we’re involved about issues like that, that may get in the best way of what we’re in search of.”
Maxwell’s sentence
Farmer testified at Maxwell’s trial in 2021. A key accuser within the trial, Farmer mentioned that she went to Epstein’s New Mexico ranch in 1996 hoping he and Maxwell would assist with tutorial endeavors. Farmer advised jurors on the trial that Maxwell allegedly massaged her breasts and Epstein climbed into mattress along with her with out her permission.
Earlier this month, CBS Information reported Maxwell deliberate to ask Mr. Trump to commute her sentence, in accordance with paperwork obtained by Democrats on the Home Judiciary Committee.
“She must serve her full sentence,” Farmer mentioned about Maxwell, who was sentenced to twenty years in jail in 2022 for her position within the Epstein intercourse abuse case.
“She harmed so many extra than simply people that have been concerned within the trial and so I feel to now see her getting this particular therapy and doubtlessly be receiving some form of pardon, it is actually unfathomable,” Farmer mentioned.
In a letter from Democrats to Mr. Trump, which was seen by CBS Information, the lawmakers alleged Maxwell was receiving preferential therapy.
“Federal legislation enforcement employees working on the camp have been ready on Ms. Maxwell hand and foot,” says the letter signed by Rep. Jamie Raskin, the rating Democrat on the committee.
“I feel it is completely disgusting that she’s getting this preferential therapy,” Farmer mentioned.
Maxwell’s attorneys have denied she is making an attempt to get her sentence lowered and that she is receiving preferential therapy, saying, “It’s clear that no effort to truth examine the credibility or veracity of the so-called ‘whistleblower’ was made.”
Justice and therapeutic
Farmer mentioned what justice seems like is “an advanced query.”
“An enormous a part of it’s simply recognition of what really occurred right here,” she mentioned.
She mentioned her sister Maria hasn’t been given any protections as a whistleblower and has been threatened.
“I feel simply the acknowledgment that, ‘wow, what you probably did was so courageous and this did not have to occur.’ That there have been errors made again and again by legislation enforcement that we do not need these issues to proceed occurring,” she mentioned.
She added, “I feel the systemic institutional betrayals haven’t gotten the eye they deserve and people issues we actually do want to research with a view to forestall.”
