WASHINGTON, Feb. 10 -- US Democrats lawmakers on Monday accused Ghislaine Maxwell, the former associate of the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, of refusing to testify before Congress as part of a campaign to seek clemency from former President Donald Trump.

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Maxwell appeared before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform but repeatedly invoked her Fifth Amendment rights, declining to answer any questions during the deposition. The amendment allows individuals to refuse testimony that could be used against them in criminal proceedings.

Democratic lawmakers, including Rep. James Walkinshaw, told reporters that Maxwell's appearance amounted to "anoth...