The US Department of Justice released partial copies of long-kept files in the case of notorious sex offender Jeffrey Epstein on Friday, drawing sharp criticism from victims and US lawmakers.

They have called it a high-level cover-up, saying that many pages of the document have been blacked out and the photos have been extensively edited and 'censored'. 

The released 'Epstein file' includes photos of former US President Bill Clinton and other famous figures close to Epstein, including Mick Jagger and Michael Jackson. But after a large part of the document was 'redacted', President Donald Trump's administration has been accused of trying to hide the facts. Democratic lawmakers have demanded answers, saying that a photo containing a photo of Trump was also removed.

Senior Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said, 'If such material is being removed, you can imagine how much more is being hidden.' He also commented that it could be the biggest leak in American history. According to American media, dozens of other photos have also been removed from the 'Epstein file'.

‘Epstein file’ partially released Trump mentioned very little, Bill Clinton mentioned a lot

The Justice Department has defended the brief release of the file, saying it required careful review and extensive editing as required by law. Among the documents that have been completely ‘redacted’ is a 119-page document labeled ‘Grand Jury-New York’. Jess Michaels, one of Epstein’s survivors, said that the information and statements she gave to the FBI tip line were not found in the files released by the Justice Department after hours of searching, saying, ‘Is this the best the government can do?’ 

However, the files provide some clues about Epstein’s close ties to the rich and powerful, including Trump. Some of the files contain censored images of nude or semi-nude women, and previously unseen photos of former Prince Andrew. Other images show former President Clinton relaxing in a hot tub and swimming with Epstein aide Ghislaine Maxwell, though they are partially covered by blackened cloth.

Trump defends himself and accuses Clinton of being targeted by the Epstein dossier, but a Trump administration spokesman has denied allegations that the White House hid or redacted the dossier to protect anyone. Handwritten notes with phrases such as "There's a girl for tonight" have also been found in the documents.

Republican Representative Thomas Massie said the release of the Epstein dossier was a "serious violation of both the spirit and letter of the law." Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanchett has insisted that no files were withheld to protect Trump. Epstein died under suspicious circumstances in a New York prison in 2019 while on sex trafficking charges. The death was ruled a suicide.