Judge orders DOJ to either unredact more Epstein files or explain why they must stay blacked out
A judge on Thursday ordered the Justice Department to either release unredacted versions of several files on the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein or explain why it can't do so, following a lawsuit accusing Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche of improperly redacting documents.
TL;DR
- Judge Emmet Sullivan ordered the Justice Department to release unredacted Epstein files or explain redactions by July 2.
- The order covers emails, a draft indictment, and FBI summaries of allegations against President Trump.
- The Justice Department must also release a log of all redactions made to Epstein-related files.
- The ruling stems from a lawsuit by journalist Katie Phang alleging violations of federal law regarding document release.
- Phang argued that the government's redactions were a "brazen, shocking, and ongoing violation" of law.
- The judge found Phang had the right to sue and was likely to prevail, stating FOIA is not an adequate remedy.
- The Justice Department's defense is that redactions protect personal information and victims' identities.
- The government's request to pause the order pending appeal was denied.