By Luc Cohen

NEW YORK (Reuters] – In the upcoming Jeffrey Epstein trial, prosecutions can use “victims”, which refers to those who are accused of sex crimes against GhislaineMaxwell. This was a ruling by a judge on Monday.

Maxwell is being charged by prosecutors with procuring and grooming minor girls to Epstein’s abuse. Maxwell’s lawyers argued that using victims in the sentence could prejudice the British jury.

U.S. District Judge Alison Nathan of Manhattan stated Monday in hearing that the exclusion would not be necessary and practical. She also said that the judge could reconsider the decision if she felt the prosecution was using the term in a prejudicial manner.

Nathan stated, “I will instruct the jury repeatedly that defendant is presumed innocent.”

Maxwell (59) appeared in court Monday wearing a white mask.

In July 2020, she was taken into custody and pleaded guilty to six charges of sex traficking and related USA crime.

Jury selection for the case will begin on Thursday. Opening arguments can be expected to take place on Nov. 29,

Nathan’s decision, along with another that allows witnesses to testify using pseudonyms could make it difficult for the defense to challenge accusers’ credibility.

Nathan stated that withholding victims’ identities could help protect them against harassment. This was in a case she described as “highly publicized” and “highly sensitive”.

Maxwell’s attorneys have argued that she was unaware of any illegal activity by her ex-boyfriend Epstein, a teacher-turned-globetrotting financier. Epstein committed suicide while in Manhattan prison cell, awaiting her trial for sex offences.

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