NATIONAL NEWS
MONROVIA – The National Patriotic Party (NPP) has appealed to the Liberian government to place former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor under house arrest, citing concerns about her health while she faces trial on drug-related charges.
By: Trokon S. Wrepue – trokon1992seokin@gmail.com
NPP Chairman George S. Mulbah said the party believes Mrs. Taylor’s health complications warrant an alternative to her continued detention at the Monrovia Central Prison.
“We appeal to the government, considering the health complication of Madame Jewel Howard-Taylor, to allow her be placed under house arrest while she goes through trial,” Mr. Mulbah said.
He said the NPP had decided to urge its members to remain calm and avoid street protests, stressing that the party wants the former vice president to be allowed to go through the judicial process peacefully.
“Unless others who think the way to approach the matter is to take to the street, we decided that in the interest of peace and stability, our party members should remain calm while we ensure that she goes through trial,” he said.
Mrs Taylor is facing charges under Liberia’s Controlled Drug and Substance Act of 2023, including unlicensed sale, trading and administration of controlled drugs and substances, and illicit trafficking. She has denied any wrongdoing and remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Background
Mrs Taylor was detained after she was stopped at Roberts International Airport in August while preparing to travel to Accra, Ghana. She was subsequently taken into police custody and later brought before the Monrovia City Court in connection with the drug case.
Her detention has become a politically sensitive issue, with supporters raising concerns about her health and calling for alternative arrangements while the case proceeds. She has reportedly experienced health complications while in custody and has received medical attention.
Mrs Taylor served as Liberia’s vice president from 2018 to 2024 under former President George Weah. She is also a former senator for Bong County and the former wife of ex-President Charles Taylor.
Mr Mulbah described the request for house arrest as a reasonable measure given Mrs Taylor’s health and called on President Joseph Boakai to consider the appeal.
“The appeal for the house arrest is something universal, so we want President Boakai to take a look at our appeal that it is necessary that Mrs Taylor be placed under house arrest considering the complications of her health,” he said.
The case comes amid heightened public concern over Liberia’s fight against illicit drugs following several major cocaine seizures in recent months.
Authorities have vowed to pursue those suspected of involvement in the illegal drug trade, while political actors have called for investigations to be conducted fairly and without political interference.
