NATIONAL NEWS
MONROVIA – Former Vice President Jewel Howard Taylor has been ordered remanded to the Monrovia Central Prison after the Monrovia City Court denied her request for compassionate detention at a medical facility in connection with the investigation into the alleged US$317 million cocaine case.
By: Trokon S. Wrepue – trokon1992seokin@gmail.com
Taylor is facing multiple charges under Liberia’s Controlled Drugs and Substances Act of 2023, including unlicensed importation of controlled drugs and substances, unlicensed sale or distribution of controlled drugs and substances, and illicit trafficking in controlled drugs and substances.
The former Vice President has denied any wrongdoing and rejected allegations linking her to the alleged drug trafficking activities, maintaining that she is innocent of the charges against her.
Her lawyers had asked the court to allow her to remain at a medical facility, arguing that her health condition was life-threatening and that she required continued medical treatment outside prison.
The prosecution did not object to Taylor being subjected to a preliminary examination but resisted the request for compassionate detention. Prosecutors cited portions of her medical report indicating that her vital signs and blood sugar levels were stable.
Following arguments from both sides, the court granted the request for a preliminary examination but ruled that the authority to grant compassionate leave rests with the Executive Branch rather than the Judiciary.
The ruling means Taylor will remain at the Monrovia Central Prison while legal proceedings continue, unless a higher authority or court changes the decision.
Her legal team has excepted to the ruling and announced plans to appeal, as the former Vice President continues to challenge the allegations brought against her.
