'Men need to be perp-walked' after Epstein files release, US Congressman Massie tells BBC

One of the most outspoken members of the US Republican Party over the Epstein files has told the BBC he is "not satisfied until the survivors are satisfied".

Thomas Massie, a West Virginia congressman, told the Newsnight programme: "Men need to be perp-walked in handcuffs to the jail, and until we see that here in this country... we don't have a system of justice that's working."

Massie has criticised the Department of Justice (DOJ) for the number of files that it redacted or withheld after it complied with a law - co-written by Massie - to release all its material.

DOJ officials have said they have released all of their files other than certain items permitted to be exempt.

In contrast with the situation in the US, the UK was "the only place that we're seeing arrests", Massie said. He said it was "ironic that [the US] thought we could have more justice by becoming independent from Britain".

Separately, following the release of the files in the US over a series of document drops, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Lord Peter Mandelson were both arrested in the UK on suspicion of misconduct in public office over their connections to Epstein. Both were subsequently released under investigation.

Mountbatten-Windsor has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing in relation to Epstein, the late financier and convicted sex offender.

Mandelson, the former UK ambassador to the US, has repeatedly let it be known that he believes he has not acted criminally, did not act for personal gain and is co-operating with the police.

Massie was asked by Newsnight presenter Victoria Derbyshire whether the DOJ should share with London's Metropolitan Police the unredacted Epstein material that related to the Met's own investigations relating to victims.

"They absolutely should, and from what I've read, it sounds like they are sharing that," Massie responded.

Massie was also asked whether he thought there was a chance of Mountbatten-Windsor ever being compelled to provide testimony regarding his connection to Epstein. Lawmakers on both sides of the Atlantic have called for this.

"Well, you have Great Britain asking for US cooperation in the cases over there," Massie said. "If there were cases in the United States, I think he would and could be called as a witness to those cases."

The law that compelled the DOJ to release its files was co-sponsored by Massie and ultimately signed by US President Donald Trump late last year.

It allowed the DOJ to make redactions in order to protect the privacy of Epstein's victims. However, Massie - who has viewed the unredacted files alongside other US lawmakers - has alleged that some files have been redacted improperly.

On the day of the DOJ's most recent release of Epstein files, US Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said three million items had not been released at all - due to the existence of personal medical files, graphic depictions of child abuse or other material that would jeopardise investigations.

Blanche and Attorney General Pam Bondi said no records had been withheld from "on the basis of embarrassment, reputational harm, or political sensitivity".

Massie again highlighted the issue in issue of unreleased files during his Newsnight interview, saying he wanted to see documents related to Epstein's plea deal in 2008.

The Republican was also asked about the same programme's interview with a group of five survivors of Epstein's abuse - who were brought together in one room for the first time.

The survivors told their stories of grief and anger. Some recalled their time at Epstein's infamous private island, Little St James, while others recounted "eerie" moments at his New Mexico ranch.

"When you see how young they were, you realise the asymmetry of the power there," Massie commented.

"I mean, you had Jeffrey Epstein, who on one hand was dealing with presidents and prime ministers and billionaires and knew how to conduct himself and project power among those folks. And then here he is with these young girls."