After multiple filings alleging over-redactions and withheld records, DDF applauds the Office of Inspector General’s decision to review DOJ compliance.

In three separate filings to the Department of Justice’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) this year, Democracy Defenders Fund (DDF) called for an audit of the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) handling of the Epstein files release for over-redacting and withholding responsive documents, limiting the scope of its review, modifying documents after release without notice or accountability, and failing to adhere to its legal obligations for transparency around the release. The following is a statement by Chris Swartz, senior ethics counsel for DDF, regarding the Office of Inspector General's decision to conduct an audit regarding the DOJ's release of the Epstein files:

"Democracy Defenders Fund has been calling for the DOJ Office of Inspector General to audit the DOJ’s failure to comply with the Epstein Files Transparency Act since January. We are encouraged that the DOJ OIG has acted on these requests and has initiated an audit looking into apparent EFTA violations. We look forward to the final report and stand ready to assist the OIG in any investigation. Meanwhile, DDF will continue to press DOJ to release Epstein-related documents through our ongoing FOIA lawsuits on behalf of the American public.”

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Democracy Defenders Fund brings together a nonpartisan team to work with national, state and local allies across the country to defend in real-time the foundations of our democracy.