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Senate unanimously passes resolution opposing pardon for Ghislaine Maxwell

From The Guardian · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Approved/passed
  • The US Senate unanimously passed a resolution opposing any presidential pardon for Ghislaine Maxwell.
  • The resolution, introduced by Senator Jacky Rosen, states Maxwell should not receive clemency for her crimes related to Jeffrey Epstein.
  • The non-binding resolution aims to signal Senate opposition to any potential pardon, emphasizing justice for victims.

The US Senate has sent a clear message opposing any presidential pardon for Ghislaine Maxwell, the convicted associate of Jeffrey Epstein. In a unanimous vote, senators passed a resolution declaring their opposition to any clemency for Maxwell, who is serving a 20-year sentence for sex-trafficking crimes.

should not be granted a Presidential pardon or any form of clemency for her crimes with Jeffrey Epstein relating to the sexual exploitation and abuse of minors

— Senator Jacky RosenSenator Jacky Rosen introduced the resolution stating the Senate's opposition to clemency for Ghislaine Maxwell.

Senator Jacky Rosen, who introduced the resolution, stated that Maxwell “should not be granted a Presidential pardon or any form of clemency for her crimes with Jeffrey Epstein relating to the sexual exploitation and abuse of minors.” While such resolutions are symbolic, Rosen's office highlighted its purpose: to formally record the Senate's stance against any potential pardon by Donald Trump.

It’s frankly horrifying that Trump would entertain the idea of clemency for even a second for a convicted sex trafficker

— Senator Jacky RosenSenator Jacky Rosen expressed her strong disapproval of any potential pardon for Ghislaine Maxwell.

During a floor speech, Rosen expressed dismay that Trump might even consider clemency for a convicted sex trafficker. The resolution's passage, occurring as the Senate considered another nomination, was intended to underscore that "there should be NO special treatment for Ghislaine Maxwell." Republicans did not object, agreeing that granting Maxwell any form of executive clemency would be "inconsistent with the interests of justice and accountability for crimes involving the sexual exploitation of children."

there should be NO special treatment for Ghislaine Maxwell

— Senator Jacky RosenSenator Jacky Rosen stated the message the Senate's unanimous vote sent to the White House.

The Senate's action aligns with its commitment to victims and justice. This resolution follows Maxwell's unsuccessful appeals, including the Supreme Court's refusal to hear her case. Earlier this year, she invoked her Fifth Amendment right during a congressional deposition, stating she would only testify if granted clemency. Reports also indicated division within a congressional committee regarding a potential pardon in exchange for cooperation.

inconsistent with the interests of justice and accountability for crimes involving the sexual exploitation of children

— US Senate ResolutionThe Senate resolution described the implications of granting a pardon or clemency to Ghislaine Maxwell.
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Originally published by The Guardian. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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