Clintons to appear before Congress in Epstein case

Former US President Bill Clinton and his wife Hillary Clinton, the 2016 Democratic presidential nominee, will testify in a congressional investigation into the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

This move could avert a planned vote in the Republican-led House of Representatives on charges of contempt of court against the Clintons, which could lead to criminal prosecution. House Speaker Mike Johnson noted that lawyers are reviewing the details and considering whether to suspend the contempt vote.

Last week, the House Oversight Committee recommended finding the Clintons guilty of contempt of court for refusing to testify in person. However, the Clintons have offered to cooperate and claim that the investigation is politically motivated.

The investigation follows the recent release of millions of documents by the US Department of Justice, which revealed Epstein's contacts with influential figures in politics, finance, academia, and business, both before and after his 2008 plea bargain on prostitution charges.

Bill Clinton noted that although he had traveled on Epstein's plane several times in the past, he said he was unaware of his criminal activities.

(reuters, max)