Senator Chuck Schumer appeared in Washington alongside survivors of Jeffrey Epstein’s abuse to introduce proposed legislation known as ‘Virginia’s Law’, aimed at eliminating the statute of limitations for sex traffickers and abusers.
The measure is intended to allow victims more time to pursue criminal or civil cases against perpetrators and institutions linked to trafficking crimes, addressing long-standing concerns that legal deadlines often prevent survivors from seeking justice years after abuse occurred.
Named after Virginia Giuffre, one of Epstein’s most prominent accusers and a leading advocate for survivors of sexual exploitation before her death in April last year, the proposal seeks to remove legal time limits that can prevent cases from being filed decades after alleged abuse. Supporters argue many victims require years to report crimes due to trauma, coercion or fear and that removing deadlines would allow courts to hear cases regardless of when survivors come forward.
The announcement comes amid continuing scrutiny of the wider Epstein case, which has prompted renewed debate over accountability for individuals and institutions linked to the trafficking network.
Jeffrey Epstein, a financier with ties to high-profile political and business figures, was accused of running a long-standing sex trafficking operation involving underage girls across several locations. He was arrested on federal charges in 2019 but died in jail while awaiting trial.
His longtime associate Ghislaine Maxwell is currently serving a 20-year federal prison sentence after being convicted of helping recruit and groom underage girls. Lawmakers recently sought to question her during a congressional deposition, where she declined to answer substantive questions by invoking constitutional protections, while her legal team indicated she could provide fuller testimony if granted clemency - a proposal that drew criticism from members of Congress.
Family members of Virginia Giuffre have continued to call for accountability, describing Maxwell as a central figure in the abuse network. Giuffre later became a leading public advocate for survivors after speaking openly about her experiences.
Several associates and institutions linked to Epstein have faced civil lawsuits, with survivors arguing systemic failures allowed the abuse to continue for years. The case has since fuelled broader debate in the United States over legal protections for victims and whether existing laws adequately address trafficking and exploitation.
Supporters of ‘Virginia’s Law’ say removing time limits for such offences would strengthen protections for survivors and ensure cases can proceed even decades after abuse occurred, as investigations and public scrutiny tied to the Epstein scandal continue.
Tensions in the region remained high on Tuesday (10 March), as the United States and Iran exchanged increasingly sharp warnings, including thr...
Iran and the U.S. exchanged threats on Tuesday, as U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned Tehran to expect the&nb...
Up to 30 tonnes of food will be delivered to Iran amidst ongoing hostilities with U.S. and Israel, following a phone converstation between the ...
The Strait of Hormuz has become a focal point of global concern as tensions rise following the conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israe...
Reports of so-called “acid clouds” moving from Iran towards Central Asia are not supported by scientif...
Tensions in the region remained high on Tuesday (10 March), as the United States and Iran exchanged increasingly sharp warnings, including threats over the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global oil supplies.
Iran and the U.S. exchanged threats on Tuesday, as U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned Tehran to expect the “most intense day" of attacks so far. Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said “anyone who entertains the illusion of destroying Iran knows nothing of history."
The Strait of Hormuz has become a focal point of global concern as tensions rise following the conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel. Tehran has threatened to block the strategic waterway, raising fears of disruption to global oil shipments and energy markets.
Reports of so-called “acid clouds” moving from Iran towards Central Asia are not supported by scientific data, national hydrometeorological services in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan say, adding there is no threat to the region.
Tensions in the region remained high on Tuesday (10 March), as the United States and Iran exchanged increasingly sharp warnings, including threats over the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global oil supplies.
Global oil prices surpassed $119 a barrel on Monday (9 March, 2026), an almost four year high, as the Middle East conflict rumbled on.
China has urged Afghanistan and Pakistan to resolve their dispute through dialogue after Chinese envoy Yue Xiaoyong met Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, as fighting between the two neighbours entered its eleventh day.
Entry and exit across the state border between Azerbaijan and Iran for all types of cargo vehicles, including those in transit, will resume on 9 March, according to a statement by the Cabinet of Ministers of Azerbaijan.
Iran named Mojtaba Khamenei to succeed his father Ali Khamenei as supreme leader on Monday (9 March), signaling that hardliners remain firmly in charge, as the week-old U.S.-Israeli war with Iran pushed oil above $100 a barrel.
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Mike Waltz, has addressed the U.N. Security Council, saying the world must consider how effective its engagement with the Taliban-run country is as millions face hunger.
British MPs have rejected a proposal to introduce an Australia-style ban on social media for under-16s, opting instead to give ministers flexible powers to impose restrictions on platforms.
Australia has granted humanitarian visas to five Iranian women footballers who sought asylum, fearing persecution after refusing to sing their national anthem at an Asia Cup match.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 10th of March, covering the latest developments you need to know.
U.S. President Donald Trump called his recent phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin “very good.” The two leaders spoke on Monday about the situation in Iran and other international issues.
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