Speculation and conspiracy theories rage in the United States after the death in prison of the rich financier and member of the jet set Jeffrey Epstein, pending the results of the autopsy performed Sunday.
The causes of the death of this sexagenarian, jailed since July for multiple alleged sexual assault on minors, and found dead Saturday morning, remain to be confirmed. If the death was described Saturday as "apparent suicide" by the prison administration, the chief medical examiner of New York Barbara Sampson indicated, after carrying out the autopsy, to need "more information" before to be able to make his conclusions.
Have Epstein's surveillance procedures been followed?
Many politicians have demanded explanations from the prison administration and the Ministry of Justice, while the prison of the Metropolitan Correctional Center is considered one of the safest in the country. Saturday, US Justice Minister William Barr announced the opening of two investigations, one from the FBI, the other from his department, on the circumstances of the death of the detainee.
Without waiting for their results, anonymous prison officials told some media on Sunday that the procedures planned for the surveillance of Jeffrey Epstein had not been respected: rounds, planned every 30 minutes, had not taken place, he was alone in his cell while the rule is that they are two. In addition, the guards in charge of his surveillance were both working overtime.
Trump encourages theories involving Bill Clinton
This information came as conspiracy theories were spreading everywhere, rejecting the idea of suicide. Long-time close to power circles, 66-year-old Jeffrey Epstein was accused of bringing dozens of teenage girls to his luxurious residences for several years, including New York and Florida, forcing them to "massage" who almost always turned to forced sex.
Many on social networks, under the keyword "#EpsteinMurder" wanted to believe in the murder of this man who had invited many powerful in his private jets or at his parties - including Donald Trump, Bill Clinton or Prince Andrew, son of Queen Elizabeth II. Some of them might find themselves, if not in the sights of justice, at least embarrassed at the approach of his trial.
Donald Trump himself encouraged the craziest theories, retweeting Saturday night a video released by comedian Terrence Williams, claiming that Epstein "had information about (former President) Bill Clinton" and by sub-hearing that it would be related to his death. A retweet denounced Sunday by several presidential candidates in the 2020 presidential election, including Texan Beto O'Rourke and New Jersey Senator Cory Booker. "What (Trump) does is dangerous: it not only gives life to conspiracy theories but it also makes people angry and worse against some people," said Cory Booker.
Died of SUICIDE on 24/7 SUICIDE WATCH? Yeah right! How does that happen? JefferyEpstein had information on Bill Clinton & now he's dead
I see #TrumpBodyCount trending but we know who did this!
RT If you're not Surprised #EpsteinSuicide # ClintonBodyCount # ClintonCrimeFamilypic.twitter.com / Y9tGAWaAxX
The financier no longer benefited from reinforced anti-suicide surveillance
To fuel the idea of a conspiracy, many put forward some 2,000 pages of court documents released Friday, detailing the charges against Epstein emanating from a certain Virginia Giuffre, in a civil suit. In these documents, she quoted several politicians with whom she was forced by Epstein to have sex. All have denied.
Many wondered why Jeffrey Epstein no longer had - since July 29, according to several media - enhanced surveillance against suicide, when he had apparently made an initial attempt on July 23.
He was then found lying in his cell with marks on his neck, even if his wounds had been minor. Some commentators did not exclude that Jeffrey Epstein was able, thanks to his money, to benefit from help within the establishment.