Monrovia — The National Patriotic Party has expressed concern over the arrest and subsequent charging of its Standard Bearer, former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor, calling on the Government of Liberia to ensure that her rights, dignity, health, and physical well-being are protected throughout the legal process.
The NPP said it has taken note of the charges against Howard-Taylor, including allegations of money laundering and other related offenses, and stressed that it supports the Government’s efforts to combat illicit drug trafficking and dismantle drug networks in Liberia.
“The NPP remains committed to cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation and to ensuring that the fight against drugs is conducted in accordance with the rule of law,” the party said in an official statement signed by its National Chairman, Atty. George S. Mulbah.
However, the party raised concerns about the manner in which Howard-Taylor was arrested, arguing that authorities should have considered her status as a former Vice President and what it described as the absence of circumstances suggesting that she posed a flight risk.
The NPP said authorities could have used a less intrusive approach, such as contacting her by telephone or issuing a formal written notice, rather than resorting to what it characterized as an unnecessarily harsh manner of arrest.
The party also acknowledged the Government’s position regarding bail and called for Howard-Taylor to be placed under house arrest or another appropriate custodial arrangement that would allow her to attend all required court proceedings while receiving necessary medical care.
The NPP emphasized that its call for humane treatment should not be interpreted as opposition to the Government’s drug-enforcement efforts.
“The rights, dignity, health, and physical well-being of every accused person must also be respected and protected under Liberian law,” the party stated.
The party further called for an impartial and speedy trial, urging authorities to give Howard-Taylor a full and fair opportunity to defend herself and, where appropriate, exonerate herself of the allegations.
Meanwhile, the NPP called on its partisans and supporters to remain calm and peaceful as the legal proceedings continue.
The party said its Executive Committee will convene to deliberate on the matter and consider other appropriate options available under Liberian law.
Howard-Taylor, who served as Vice President from 2018 to 2024, was recently arrested and charged by the Liberian Government in connection with an ongoing drug-trafficking investigation. The charges remain allegations, and she is presumed innocent unless proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.
