Maxwell's high-profile trial is expected to last six weeks in New York City
British social activist Ghislaine Maxwell has appeared in a New York City court to face charges.
She is expected to challenge allegations that she groomed underage girls because of his pedophilia conviction, Jeffrey Epstein, for sexual assault. He died in prison in 2019.
Jessalyn Maxwell in New York City
Maxwell, 59, has been imprisoned in the United States since her arrest last year, awaiting the six-week high-profile trial.
Maxwell, who holds dual US and French citizenship, has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Maxwell's lawyers and family members have repeatedly complained about her prison conditions and her legal team has made several unsuccessful bail requests.
Epstein died in a New York prison cell on August 10, 2019 while awaiting trial for sex trafficking.
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The trial of Maxwell, the daughter of the late media mogul Robert Maxwell, began at about 08:30 local time (13:30 GMT) on Monday.
A jury of 12 was chosen, with opening statements from both sides subsequently given.
The prosecution is expected to present the case and examine evidence and witnesses - but the defense is likely to question the credibility of some witnesses.
According to a letter from Maxwell's attorney, the defense will say her accusers may have false memories.
The letter says that eminent experts in psychiatry and memory will be brought in to testify in its defense.
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Ms. Maxwell is accused of aiding Epstein in the sexual abuse of underage girls.
US prosecutors claim that she "played a critical role in the care and abuse of minors".
Four charges relate to the years 1994-1997 when, according to the indictment, she was one of Epstein's closest confidants and also in an "intimate relationship" with him.
Sarah Ransom, one of Epstein's alleged victims, told BBC Panorama
that Maxwell had worked closely with him.
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