Epstein grand jury transcripts won't be unsealed, federal court rules

The latest: The federal government failed to demonstrate "any special circumstances" that justify the unsealing, Judge Richard Berman wrote in the ruling.

• The court emphasized the need to maintain secrecy in the case, including to protect victims, who did not have sufficient notice of plans to release the transcripts, per the 14-page decision.

Zoom in: Berman said he believes the request is a "diversion" because the government already possesses information about the Epstein case.

• Berman said the grand jury materials are based on one unreliable witness — an FBI agent "whose testimony was mostly hearsay."

What they're saying: The family of Virginia Giuffre, who accused Epstein and others of sexually abusing her as a minor, praised the decision in a statement.

• "We recognize the critical importance of protecting survivors; it is essential that we redact any information that could jeopardize their safety or privacy. Their well-being must always be our priority," the Giuffre relatives said.
• They also said they "demand accountability for all individuals implicated in these heinous acts."

What we're watching: The Justice Department plans to share documents related to its Epstein probe with Congress on Friday.

• "The information contained in the Epstein grand jury transcripts pales in comparison to the Epstein investigation information and materials in the hands of the Department of Justice," Berman wrote.

Flashback: A judge in Florida denied a similar request from the administration in July.

• A New York judge also denied a request to unseal jury transcripts in the case of Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell.

Go deeper: DOJ to start sharing Epstein files with Congress on Friday

Editor's note: This story has been updated with details throughout.