Liberia Says Case Against Former VP Taylor Is Ready for Circuit Court

Monrovia, Liberia: The Liberian government says it has gathered sufficient evidence to prosecute former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor over her alleged connection to the country’s reported US$317 million cocaine case.

Information Minister Jerolinmek Piah made the disclosure Tuesday during the Ministry of Information’s regular press briefing in Monrovia. He said prosecutors are confident that the evidence in their possession can support the charges against the former Vice President when the case reaches the Circuit Court.

Piah’s comments followed a decision by Howard-Taylor’s lawyers to discontinue their request for a preliminary examination at the Monrovia City Court. The proceeding would have allowed the lower court to determine whether the prosecution had established sufficient grounds for the case to continue.

According to the Information Minister, the defense’s decision to abandon that process suggests that it recognizes the strength of the government’s case. However, Howard-Taylor’s legal team previously explained that it chose to proceed directly to trial, where it expects to receive full access to the prosecution’s evidence through the discovery process.

The government alleges that Howard-Taylor exploited the influence of her former office to help facilitate drug-related activities. These claims have not yet been proven in court.

Piah said the Boakai administration will continue pursuing individuals suspected of participating in organized drug trafficking, regardless of their political status or previous positions.

Howard-Taylor remains legally presumed innocent unless the prosecution proves the charges against her beyond a reasonable doubt.