Clintons want to testify publicly about Epstein in the House of Representatives

Former US President Bill Clinton has rejected accusations by Republicans on the House Oversight Committee in connection with the investigation into the Jeffrey Epstein case and called for a public hearing, ABC News reports.

He said he would not stand idly by and watch himself being abused in what he called a "closed kangaroo court" and stated that if lawmakers wanted answers, there should be public hearings where the public could also hear them. He emphasized that, in his opinion, a transparent process was the only right way forward.

Bill and Hillary Clinton agreed to closed-door hearings in early February after the Republican-led committee threatened to charge them with contempt of Congress for failing to comply with subpoenas.

Committee Chairman James Comer announced that Hillary Clinton's testimony is scheduled for February 26. Her husband is scheduled to testify before the committee the following day.

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.

(max)