MONROVIA — The opposition Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) has condemned what it describes as the “harassment, intimidation, detention and apparent fabrication of charges” against former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor, following a dramatic day that saw the former government official appear at the headquarters of the Liberia National Police (LNP) for questioning in connection to the ongoing investigation into the multimillion-dollar drug bust.
By Selma Lomax, [email protected]
The CDC’s reaction followed a series of developments involving Howard-Taylor on Wednesday, including a reported restriction on her ability to travel, an invitation from the Liberia National Police for questioning and her eventual appearance at police headquarters.
The former Vice President’s appearance before investigators has become one of the most politically significant developments in the investigation, given her former position in government and her continued prominence within the CDC.
The party’s National Chairman, Atty. Janga Augustus Kowo, signed the statement in which the CDC accused the government of pursuing “bogus charges” against Howard-Taylor and warned that the situation could have wider implications for Liberia’s democracy and political stability.
The latest controversy began with reports that Howard-Taylor had been prevented from traveling as authorities continued investigating the drug case. She was later invited by the Liberia National Police to appear for questioning. Howard-Taylor honored the invitation and went to Police headquarters on Wednesday, where she was questioned by investigators before she was charged for money laundering, drug trafficking and others.
The questioning also placed one of the CDC’s most prominent figures directly within an investigation that has already generated intense national debate over the government’s handling of alleged drug trafficking and the identities of people believed to have information about the case.
Following her appearance, the CDC publicly challenged the manner in which authorities have handled the matter.
In its statement, the CDC said it “vehemently condemns” what it described as the harassment, intimidation, detention and apparent fabrication of charges against Howard-Taylor.
The party characterized the government’s conduct as a “reckless and tyrannical abuse of state power.” The CDC argued that authorities have not provided a sufficiently clear or credible explanation for the actions taken against the former Vice President.
According to the party, the circumstances surrounding Howard-Taylor’s questioning raise concerns about whether the justice system is being used for political purposes.
The opposition further suggested that the focus on Howard-Taylor could divert attention from other individuals whose roles in the drug investigation should also be examined.
The party did not limit its criticism to the former Vice President’s treatment. It called for every person implicated in the matter to be investigated fairly, regardless of whether the individual is associated with the government, opposition or any other political institution.
The strongest aspect of the CDC’s statement was its allegation that the government’s actions could amount to political persecution. The party said the circumstances surrounding Howard-Taylor’s case raise “serious concerns about political persecution and the weaponization of the justice system.”
For the CDC, however, the involvement of a former Vice President and senior opposition figure means the government must demonstrate that its actions are based strictly on credible evidence and established legal procedures.
The party demanded that authorities publicly explain the factual and legal basis for the measures taken against Howard-Taylor. It also called for guarantees that she would have access to legal counsel and that her constitutional rights, dignity and safety would be protected.
The situation became more serious after Howard-Taylor was charged by the government in connection with the matter. The charges have elevated the former Vice President’s role from that of a person invited for questioning to a figure facing formal legal action.
However, the allegations against her remain subject to the judicial process. The CDC, for its part, has rejected the charges as “bogus,” arguing that the government is attempting to damage the former Vice President’s reputation.
The opposition party said the government should not use Howard-Taylor’s political status as justification for intimidating or humiliating her.
Rather than calling for an end to the broader investigation, the CDC said it wants the probe to be conducted independently and transparently. The party demanded an impartial investigation into every person implicated in the drug case.
It said investigators should follow the evidence wherever it leads, regardless of the political affiliation or official position of the individuals involved. The CDC also warned the government against using the investigation to shield security officials or other state actors who could potentially have information relevant to the case.
“The Liberian people deserve the truth through an independent, transparent, and credible investigation,” the party said. The statement called for an end to what the CDC described as politically motivated harassment and intimidation.
