The Epstein Case Reopened

In recent years, parts of Jeffrey Epstein’s case, the financier accused of sex trafficking and abusing underage girls, have gradually been made public. These documents reveal new details about Epstein’s connections with various individuals, and debates about the extent of his network continue.

Reactions of Turkish Politicians and Parliament

Media and political analysts have brought this topic into public debate, and some members of the Turkish Parliament have expressed their reactions:

• Özgür Özel, leader of the Republican People’s Party (CHP), criticized powerful Turkish figures who allegedly manage media coverage regarding Epstein-related disclosures, stating that these issues should not be swept under the rug and that accountability is necessary.

• Turhan Çömez, a member of the İYİ Party, referred to U.S. documents suggesting that minors may have been transferred from Turkey to Epstein’s island and called it a “horrific crime against humanity.”

• Doğan Bekin, a representative of the New Welfare Party (YRP), raised questions in Parliament about the potential existence of victims from Turkey and the possible responsibility of Turkish individuals.

• Other representatives also questioned whether Epstein’s network might have been used for gathering information or financial support in Turkey and called for government transparency.

Q

Where Is It Located?

“Epstein’s Island” is the name commonly given by the media to Little Saint James, a private island in the Caribbean near St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

It covers approximately 70–75 acres and is accessible by boat or helicopter.

Jeffrey Epstein purchased the island in 1998.

What Was It Built and Used For?

Officially, the island was described as a private residence and venue for exclusive gatherings and meetings. Epstein invited wealthy individuals, politicians, academics, and public figures there.

However, according to U.S. federal indictments, prosecutors alleged that the island — along with other Epstein properties — was used for sex trafficking and the sexual abuse of underage girls.

 What Allegedly Happened There?

Based on court documents and victim testimonies:

• Teenage girls were transported to the island

• Powerful guests were reported to have visited

• Allegations of organized sexual exploitation were raised

Epstein was arrested in 2019 on federal sex trafficking charges but died in jail before trial (his death was officially ruled a suicide).

His close associate, Ghislaine Maxwell, was convicted in 2021 of aiding sex trafficking and in 2022 was sentenced to 20 years in prison.

 What Is the Island’s Current Status?

After Epstein’s death:

• His properties were put up for sale.

• In 2023, reports indicated the island was sold for approximately $60 million.

• Some structures were demolished or renovated.

The island is now privately owned and is no longer directly tied to active criminal proceedings, though it remains symbolically associated with one of the largest sex trafficking scandals in modern U.S. history.

 Is Epstein Alive?

In recent years, with the rise of social media and online rumors, claims have circulated suggesting that “Jeffrey Epstein is still alive” or that “a photo of someone resembling him was found in Israel and it might be him.” But are these claims true? Who Was Jeffrey Epstein?

Jeffrey Epstein was an American financier who, during the 1990s and 2000s, built connections with wealthy and influential individuals. He was accused of sex trafficking and sexually abusing underage girls, and his case drew widespread international media attention.

Epstein was in custody awaiting further legal proceedings when his case was still ongoing.

Epstein’s Death — What Happened?

On August 10, 2019, Epstein was found dead in his cell at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in New York. His death was officially ruled a suicide by hanging by the New York City medical examiner.

There is no credible medical or judicial evidence indicating that he has been alive since that date.

However, his death sparked numerous conspiracy theories, partly because of his associations with powerful individuals and the public’s expectation of a high-profile trial.

The Claim About a Photo in Israel — Fact or Rumor?

From time to time, images circulate online claiming to show a man “who looks like Epstein in Israel,” suggesting he may still be alive.

These claims are not supported by credible evidence, and no reliable news source or official authority has confirmed that such a photo depicts Jeffrey Epstein. 

Israel has been secretly providing money, weapons, and on-the-ground protection to militant groups in the Gaza Strip as part of its attempts to combat the Hamas resistance movement, Israeli media reported.

According to a Friday report from the Israeli daily newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth, foreign accounts suggest that the militants have received rifles and ammunition from Israel, in addition to logistical support that includes fuel, food, vehicles, and other necessities.

The report said that the support has allowed the militants to function in proximity to locations where Israeli forces are stationed, facilitating their entrenchment near zones controlled by Israel in the territory.

The assistance is estimated to cost tens of millions of shekels, sourced from the budget of the Israeli army.

Yedioth Ahronoth noted that these groups operate independently of formal command systems and are not directly monitored by the Israeli military or Israel’s so-called internal security service, Shin Bet. They are utilized for specific tactical purposes.

The roles reportedly involve locating Hamas fighters in tunnels or among debris close to Israeli positions, along with conducting abductions aimed at minimizing threats to Israeli soldiers.

The militant outfit, under the leadership of Yasser Abu Shabab prior to his death, was highlighted by the newspaper as the sole group conducting its activities so openly, sharing videos that conveyed a sense of confidence and a challenge to Hamas.

The report said the policy has faced backlash in the Israeli-occupied territories, with evaluations suggesting that the militants do not have the necessary organizational strength or public support to present a real threat to Hamas or its military faction.

oreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has warned that in the event of an open aggression by the United States, American military bases in West Asia will be targeted.

“If the US strikes Iran, we will attack American bases in the region as they are accessible targets,” Araghchi said on the sidelines of the 17th edition of the Al Jazeera Forum in the Qatari capital Doha on Saturday.

He made clear that Tehran will not attack neighboring countries’ soil, and will only strike where American bases are located.

Araghchi noted that the Iranian Armed Forces are fully prepared to respond decisively at any moment to any hostile action.

The top Iranian diplomat said that the Islamic Republic has consistently stated that its missile program is not up for negotiation, as it is a purely defensive matter beyond the scope of any talks.

He also said that Iran has an inalienable right to enrich uranium, and the process should persist, emphasizing that even military attacks have been ineffective in eliminating Iran’s capabilities.

Araghchi also categorically rejected the idea of zero-percent uranium enrichment, stating that the issue is outside the scope of negotiations.

Elsewhere in his remarks, Araghchi pointed to the new round of nuclear talks between Iran and the United States, which concluded in the Omani capital Muscat a day earlier.

He described the negotiations as a “good beginning,” but cautioned that a long path lies ahead to build trust.

The Iranian foreign minister further said that the talks with the US were indirect and were limited solely to the nuclear issue.

Tehran has repeatedly stressed that any agreement lacking tangible economic benefits would be of no practical value, making the timing and outcome of the negotiations especially important for Iran.

On the nuclear front, Iran insists on its legal right to enrich uranium on its own soil, describing the issue as a red line in the talks. From Tehran’s perspective, any potential technical measures can only be considered within a framework that recognizes this right, and any preconditions beyond it would be seen as a sign of bad faith by the other side.

Iran had held five rounds of talks on a replacement for the 2015 nuclear deal prior to the US-Israeli airstrikes on the country and its nuclear facilities in mid-June.

Press TV’s website 

Tawaf should be performed continuously, but in cases of necessity (such as obligatory congregational prayer or severe crowding), one may temporarily pause.

• If the interruption occurs after completing four circuits, one may usually continue.

• If it occurs before four circuits, the Tawaf generally must be restarted from the beginning (according to the well-known opinion).

If doubt arises after completing the Tawaf, it is ignored, and the Tawaf is valid.

If doubt occurs during Tawaf and the exact number cannot be determined (e.g., unsure whether it is the 6th or 7th circuit), the Tawaf is generally invalid and must be performed again.

(The precise ruling depends on the opinion of one’s religious authority.)

After completing Tawaf, it is obligatory to perform two rak‘ahs of Tawaf prayer.

This prayer should be performed behind Maqam Ibrahim if possible. Without performing this prayer, the Tawaf is not complete.

Some essential conditions are:

• Intention (niyyah) for the sake of Allah

• Ritual purity (wudu or ghusl; for women, being free from menstruation or postpartum bleeding)

• The body and clothing must be free from impurities

• Starting from the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad) and ending at the same point

• Performing Tawaf within the area between the Kaaba and Maqam Ibrahim

If wudu becomes invalid during Tawaf, one must either restart or complete the Tawaf according to the number of circuits completed.

Tawaf means performing seven continuous circuits around the Kaaba, moving counterclockwise so that the Kaaba remains on the left side.

The number of circuits is exactly 7—no more, no less. Intentionally performing fewer or more circuits invalidates the Tawaf.