Monrovia-Lawyers representing former Vice President Jewel Howard Taylor have withdrawn their request for a preliminary examination of evidence in the State’s alleged money laundering and drug trafficking case against their client.
By Willie N. Tokpah
The decision was made Monday at the Monrovia City Court, where Magistrate Ben Barco granted the defense request and instructed the Clerk of Court to formally communicate the latest development to Criminal Court “C,” where the case is pending.
The defense’s request for a preliminary examination was filed pursuant to Liberia’s Criminal Procedure Law, which provides defendants with the right to seek such an examination.
The law also permits a party to withdraw the request.
The withdrawal comes amid controversy surrounding an audio recording introduced by the prosecution’s first witness, Raphel Wilson.
Defense lawyers objected to the recording being admitted into evidence as part of the State’s case.
The defence has yet to publicly disclose the full reasoning behind its decision to withdraw its request for a preliminary examination.
One of Taylor’s lawyers, Cllr. Finley Kangar, told FrontPageAfrica that the defense team is expected to make its next decision within the hour.
The latest development adds another twist to the closely watched proceedings involving the former Vice President, as both sides continue to contest the audio recording evidence being presented before the court.
FrontPageAfrica is continuing to follow developments from the court and will provide updates as they emerge.
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