-Friday World February 17, 2026
Jeffrey Epstein's name remains synonymous worldwide with sexual exploitation, human trafficking, and a shadowy network of influential figures. This was a scandal involving the abuse of underage girls, with no boundaries between the rich and the poor, and allegations linking many high-profile names. Yet, the credit for bringing this horrific truth to light primarily goes to one brave American journalist: **Julie K. Brown**. Through years of relentless effort, risk, and dedication, she exposed this vile network, shaking not only the American justice system but also forcing the entire world to confront how fragile truth can be in the face of power and money.
The Epstein Scandal: A Horrifying Reality** Jeffrey Epstein was an American financier who became friends with the wealthy and influential. From the 1990s to the 2000s, he exploited underage girls through lure, threats, and coercion for sexual purposes. His private island, New York mansion, and Florida home all served as centers of this abuse. Epstein built connections with powerful people to shield his crimes from the law.
In 2008, he was arrested but received an astonishingly lenient sentence—just 13 months in jail, much of it on work release. This controversial deal was dubbed a "sweet deal." However, in 2019, investigations reopened, leading to his re-arrest. Epstein died under suspicious circumstances in jail, raising many questions. His associate, Ghislaine Maxwell, was later convicted and sentenced to a long prison term.
Julie K. Brown: The Warrior for Truth
When most media had moved on from the case, **Julie K. Brown**, an investigative reporter for the Miami Herald, published her powerful series titled "Perversion of Justice" in 2017-2018. She spoke to over 60 victims, many of whom had remained silent for years. She pored through thousands of court documents and police reports, revealing how Epstein received special leniency in 2008.
Her reporting exposed that Florida's then-prosecutor, Alexander Acosta (who later became Labor Secretary in the Trump administration), had made a secret deal with Epstein—without even notifying the victims. Brown's tireless work reopened the case, brought new evidence to light, and led to Epstein's 2019 arrest.
Her series gave fresh momentum to the #MeToo movement and demonstrated the immense power of journalism. As Brown wrote, "This wasn't just about one man—it was about an entire system that protects the wealthy."
Controversy in the Indian Context and the Role of Media** Recently, the release of new batches of Epstein files has caused global uproar. Several prominent names surfaced, including mentions of India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi and some other Indian figures. Certain reports claimed Epstein's emails referenced Modi, such as in connection with his Israel visit or other contexts.
However, Indian authorities have outright rejected these claims, stating that these are merely Epstein's own words with no concrete evidence or criminal link. Multiple fact-checks and official statements clarify that Modi's name does not appear in any client list or in connection with wrongdoing—it appears to be a case of Epstein name-dropping to inflate his influence. No verified documents show any direct involvement or wrongdoing by Modi or Indian ministers.
Still, this has sparked political debate in India. Some accuse the Indian media of staying silent or suppressing the story, while others blame the opposition for spreading misinformation. The key question is: Is the media presenting the truth impartially? In cases like Epstein's, where powerful figures are involved, the media's role becomes even more crucial—not biased, but dedicated to uncovering facts.
The Triumph of Truth and Lasting Inspiration
The Epstein case proves that no matter how big the names involved, truth eventually emerges. Journalists like Julie K. Brown have shown that one person's courage can challenge an entire system. She gave voice to the victims, strengthened the demand for justice, and reminded the world that journalism is the fourth pillar of democracy only when it stands firmly for truth.
In today's world, where such scandals continue to surface, Julie's story inspires us. Truth can be suppressed, but it can never be erased. Salute to this courageous woman who lit a light in the darkness and proved that the fight for justice never loses.
Satyameva Jayate – Truth always prevails.
Sajjadali Nayani ✍
Friday World February 17, 2026
