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Maxwell to File Pro Se Habeas Bid as DOJ Moves to Unseal Epstein Records

The Justice Department’s push to open grand jury records under a new transparency law sets up an expedited decision on what can be released.

Overview

  • In a letter to Judge Paul Engelmayer, Ghislaine Maxwell’s attorney said she will soon submit a habeas corpus petition and will represent herself, without disclosing the grounds.
  • Her counsel warned that public release of grand jury materials from her case could cause undue prejudice that would undermine a fair retrial if her habeas effort succeeds.
  • The DOJ has asked courts to unseal grand jury transcripts and to modify protective orders under the newly enacted Epstein Transparency Act signed by President Trump.
  • Maxwell’s filing says she takes no position on unsealing, while victims’ counsel have backed broader disclosure with privacy safeguards and House Oversight Democrats released new images from Epstein’s island.
  • Maxwell is serving a 20-year sentence at Federal Prison Camp Bryan in Texas, her Supreme Court appeal was rejected in October, and habeas petitions are rarely granted.