The row between the Duke of York and the US Department of Justice boiled down yesterday to whether Prince Andrew was prepared to answer questions face to face about his relationship with the late Jeffrey Epstein.
Geoffrey Berman, the US attorney leading the investigation, accused the duke of seeking “to falsely portray himself as eager and willing to co-operate” and said he had refused to give an interview.
Ben Keith, a specialist extradition barrister at 5SAH made the following comments about the request for co-operation by the US in relation to Prince Andrew:
“It seems that the main issue is that the US want an interview, perhaps fishing for more information, whereas Prince Andrew wants to answer in writing. One of the bones of contention has been confidentiality."
“The US prosecutors seem willing to present their case in the media rather than in court. MLA (Mutual Legal Assistance) requests are not usually the subject of news as they are by their nature secret.”
The full article was published in the Times on Wednesday 11 June 2020 and a full copy (behind a paywall) can be viewed here.
Ben Keith is a leading specialist in Extradition and International Crime. As well as dealing with Immigration, Serious Fraud, and Public law. He has extensive experience of appellate proceedings before the Administrative and Divisional Courts, Criminal and Civil Court of Appeal as well as applications and appeals to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) and United Nations. He is ranked in Chambers and Partners and The Legal 500 for Extradition and International Crime.
