-Demands Full Trial to Protect Constitutional Rights
Monrovia: Former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor and her legal team announced Monday that they will bypass a preliminary examination and proceed directly to trial—accusing the prosecution of deliberately obstructing basic due process and withholding potentially exonerating evidence.
The decision comes after a Monrovia court sustained the prosecution’s objection to even a preliminary review of the evidence underpinning what the defense calls an “unprecedented arrest and incarceration.” Madam Howard-Taylor, who has been held in custody, has yet to be formally indicted by a grand jury, a fact her legal team emphasizes as central to their procedural strategy.
“Our justice system is built on the guarantee of a fair and speedy trial,” the statement reads. “Because Madam Jewel Howard-Taylor has never been served a proper indictment detailing the specific facts and allegations against her, the defense sought a preliminary examination to review the evidence used to justify her arrest.”
That request was denied. The defense argues that without access to discovery—including material that could favor her innocence—the preliminary stage would have devolved into a platform for “unproven theories.” By moving directly to trial, where pretrial discovery is guaranteed under Liberian law, the team aims to secure the constitutional protections they say have been systematically denied.
In a rebuke to government officials and media commentators, the statement draws a legal distinction that it says has been dangerously blurred: a criminal complaint is not an indictment, and an indictment is not a conviction.
“As of this statement, Madam Howard-Taylor has not been indicted by a grand jury,” the defense emphasized. “No press conference or political statement can substitute for the judicial process the law requires.”
The legal team expressed deep concern that official statements and press coverage have already created the impression that the former Vice President is guilty—a narrative they say damages both her rights and the integrity of Liberia’s justice system.
The statement issues a multi-pronged appeal to Liberia’s institutions and civil society:
· The Government is urged to communicate truthfully and clearly distinguish allegations from indictments and convictions.
· Public officials are asked to cease all prejudicial pronouncements while the matter is sub judice.
· The Media is called upon to verify procedural status rather than report allegations as established fact.
· Civil society, religious leaders, and human-rights advocates are encouraged to demand due process and humane treatment.
· All Liberians are implored to remain peaceful and committed to justice.
Madam Howard-Taylor, the statement insists, seeks no extraordinary favor—only the same constitutional protections owed to every Liberian: the presumption of innocence, humane treatment, and a fair and impartial judicial process.
“If the Government has evidence, let it be tested lawfully in court,” the statement declares. “Until then, accusation must not be presented as conviction.” The legal team concluded with a note of confidence, asserting that a fair hearing on the full record will ultimately vindicate the former Vice President.
