NATIONAL NEWS
MONROVIA – The Monrovia City Court has ordered the transfer of the case involving former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor after her defense team withdrew a request for a preliminary examination.
By: Trokon S. Wrepue – trokon1992seokin@gmail.com
During a brief hearing Tuesday, defense lawyers formally waived the preliminary review and withdrew their earlier motion, which had already commenced with prosecutors presenting evidence.
The prosecution did not object to the withdrawal but asked the court to transfer the case to the proper jurisdiction to allow them to proceed with filing a formal indictment.
Prosecutors told the court that they had established probable cause in the case.
Citing Section 12 of Liberia’s Criminal Procedure Law, the presiding judge said a preliminary examination is conducted upon the defendant’s request.
With the defense withdrawing its request, the judge accepted the decision and ordered the clerk to transfer the case to the appropriate court for further proceedings.
The ruling now clears the way for prosecutors to proceed with the formal indictment against the former vice president.
