Skip to main content

“Epstein” shows the way toward the end of impunity

The Jeffrey Epstein case (2005-2019) is not a historical anomaly. It is part of a series of scandals where powerful individuals abused their positions to exploit vulnerable people.

Among the precedents: the Marc Dutroux case in Belgium (1996-2004); the Jimmy Savile case in the UK (1960‑2000, revealed in 2012); the Harvey Weinstein case in the United States (revealed 2017, trial 2020), which sparked the #MeToo movement; and the NXIVM case (1998-2018) led by Keith Raniere. Different contexts, but the same mechanism: social influence, protective networks, prolonged silence.

These cases show how power allows some individuals to turn their dominant position into impunity. It is not just a matter of individual morality but of structures that protect and delay the exposure of wrongdoing.

Today, these revelations reveal a crack in the edifice of power — a positive sign that previously untouchable structures are beginning to fracture. But for this crack to lead to real improvements, responsibility must be clearly defined. The issue is not just moral: it is a question of power, and strong civil societies and movements are needed to limit and end these abuses.

Benyounès Saidi

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Justice on the Side of the Palestinian People

July 19, 2024, marks a monumental victory for justice, which has clearly sided with the rights of the Palestinian people. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued an opinion declaring that Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories is illegal. The court demanded that all states take action to end this occupation and that Israel pay reparations to Palestinians who have suffered due to this situation. It is important to note that this opinion follows a recent decision by the Court requiring Israel to cease any actions in Gaza that could constitute genocide. This ICJ opinion will strengthen international pressure on Israel. Although it will take time, just like the end of apartheid in South Africa, there is no doubt that justice will prevail and that Palestinians will regain their right to self-determination. Benyounès Saidi

France: results and challenges

The New Popular Front won 182 seats in the snap parliamentary elections, making it the largest group in the French National Assembly, which has 577 seats. This is obviously a reason for immense satisfaction and relief for millions of French people who were enduring the anti-social policies of Macron's regime. It is also an open opportunity for all those who want real change. That said, and without minimizing the results obtained, it must be remembered that the new Popular Front only secured 31.2% of the seats in the National Assembly and that the percentage of French people who voted for it represents only 25.1% of the votes. In comparison, the Popular Front of 1936 obtained 63.5% of the seats and 57.8% of the French voted for it! This means that the New Popular Front is far behind the 1936 performance. But all this does not take away from the immense success achieved this week. It simply means that the New Front has enormous task to perform to convince more French people of the ne...

Covid-19 Incredible news!

"Europe and the United States have decided to earmark 4% of all funds expended in the fight against Covid-19 to the eradication of malaria, AIDS and tuberculosis, diseases that kill millions of people every year." I was sitting in front of my TV watching the news. I could barely believe my ears. As the report continued, I turned up the sound so as not to miss a word. The United States has lifted sanctions against Cuba and Venezuela and sent 10 planes with medical equipment and personnel to assist those countries in their fight against Covid-19. The leaders of North and South Korea have signed an historic agreement to reunite their country, henceforth known as the Republic of Korea. The African and European Unions have signed a free trade agreement, under which goods and citizens may circulate freely from one continent to the other. The stock exchanges are now publishing daily figures on the profits of major companies, broken down by country, to serve as t...