Ex-Prince Andrew arrested in Epstein-linked probe, released on bail

Former royal arrested in Epstein-linked probe

British police arrested former royal Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on Thursday. Authorities said they opened an investigation into possible misconduct in public office.

The arrest is directly linked to the recent release of millions of U.S. government documents about Jeffrey Epstein. Those files showed deep ties between the ex-prince and the late convicted sex offender.

Mountbatten-Windsor, the younger brother of King Charles, was released on bail later the same day. He has consistently denied any wrongdoing related to Epstein's crimes.

UN expert says arrest sends critical message

Reem Alsalem, the UN special rapporteur on violence against women and girls, said the arrest signals that "nobody is above the law." She stressed the need for independent investigations into all who enabled Epstein's enterprise.

"It’s important that we examine the involvement of anyone that has enabled, facilitated, the crimes," Alsalem told Al Jazeera. She called for a shift from viewing isolated crimes to recognizing an "organized attack" on vulnerable women and children.

UN experts recently found that Epstein’s crimes "reasonably meet the legal threshold of crimes against humanity."

Released files show sharing of government information

The arrest follows the compelled release of Epstein documents by the U.S. government over the past two months. Congress passed a law forcing the Trump administration to make them public.

The files include emails and text messages showing Epstein's network of powerful associates. Some exchanges suggest Mountbatten-Windsor, who was a UK trade envoy, shared government information with Epstein.

One photograph from the files shows the former prince crouched over a female victim lying on the floor. The documents have triggered investigations and political crises in multiple countries.

• France and Norway have opened probes into corruption and sex abuse allegations.
• In Britain, Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces calls to resign for appointing an Epstein associate as ambassador.
• A Reuters/Ipsos poll found 69% of U.S. respondents believe the files show powerful people are rarely held accountable.

US lawmakers demand justice, administration resists

In the U.S., Congressman Thomas Massie called on FBI Director Kash Patel and Attorney General Pam Bondi to act. "Now we need JUSTICE in the United States," he posted after the royal's arrest.

Massie had previously said success would be measured when "rich men" are in handcuffs. "Until then, this is still a cover-up," he said last year.

However, the Trump administration has ruled out further charges. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche sparked outrage this month by stating, "it is not a crime to party with Mr Epstein."

Political fallout spans the Atlantic

Democratic Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury wrote, "If a Prince can be held accountable, so can a President." Oversight Committee Democrat Robert Garcia called the arrest an "enormous step forward" and said it was "time for the United States to end this White House cover-up."

Trump allies note the Biden administration did not release the files during its term. The issue crosses party lines, involving powerful Democrats like former President Bill Clinton.

Trump has denied close ties to Epstein, calling him a "creep" from whom he distanced himself. He sued The Wall Street Journal last year over a report about a suggestive card allegedly sent to Epstein.

A global call for comprehensive investigations

Alsalem criticized the U.S. Department of Justice's stance as "dismissive" of victims. She argued that after Epstein's 2008 conviction, "nobody can claim unawareness" when dealing with him.

She is calling for an independent investigation spanning all countries and individuals in Epstein's network. The focus must be on the "architecture of the alleged enterprise," not just individual crimes.

"Everybody accused should still benefit from a fair and impartial trial," Alsalem said. "But that’s why we have to get to that impartial and fair trial."