–Lawmakers Warn Against Selective Justice, Urge Courts to Let Evidence—not Politics—Determine Outcome
MONROVIA, Liberia — The Bong County Legislative Caucus has entered the increasingly charged political debate surrounding former Vice President and former Senator Jewel Howard-Taylor’s prosecution, calling for a speedy, transparent and fair trial while warning the Government of Liberia against allowing politics, public pressure or prejudice to influence the judicial process.
In a statement issued Monday, the Caucus said it stands in solidarity with Howard-Taylor, who served Bong County as Senator for 12 years before becoming Vice President, but stressed that its support for her should not be interpreted as an attempt to interfere with the courts.
The lawmakers said the former Vice President, who is being held at the Monrovia Central Prison pending trial, is entitled to the same constitutional protections afforded every person accused of a crime, including due process, a fair hearing and the presumption of innocence until proven guilty.
The statement places the Bong County lawmakers squarely in the growing national conversation over whether Liberia’s ongoing narcotics investigation is being pursued consistently and whether all persons allegedly connected to the case are being subjected to the same standard of justice.
Caucus Visits Taylor After Arrest
The Bong County Legislative Caucus disclosed that it visited Howard-Taylor shortly after her arrest on August 19, describing the visit as an expression of solidarity with a former lawmaker who represented the county in the Liberian Senate for more than a decade.
The Caucus said it encouraged her to remain strong and assured her of its support during what it described as a difficult period.
At the same time, however, the lawmakers sought to draw a distinction between political solidarity and interference with the judicial process.
“The Caucus recognizes and respects the independence of the justice system,” the statement said, while insisting that “no individual, regardless of political status, office, influence, or public standing, should be above the law.”
The Caucus said the same principle must apply to Howard-Taylor.
‘Due Process Must Apply to Everyone’
The lawmakers argued that the seriousness of the allegations makes it even more important for the government and courts to follow established legal procedures.
It called on prosecutors, the judiciary and other relevant institutions to handle the case with “professionalism, impartiality, transparency and without political interference or public prejudgment.”
The statement also urged Liberians to resist drawing conclusions before the evidence is tested in court.
“We call on the people of Bong County and Liberia at large to remain calm and allow the competent authorities to carry out their responsibilities,” the Caucus said, urging the public to refrain from “speculations, misinformation, or premature judgments until the facts are established through the appropriate legal process.”
The position comes as Howard-Taylor faces multiple criminal charges arising from an investigation into an alleged transnational narcotics trafficking network.
According to the Ministry of Justice, she was stopped at Roberts International Airport on August 19 while attempting to leave Liberia and was subsequently taken to Liberia National Police headquarters for questioning. The government later formally charged her with offenses including unlicensed importation and trafficking of controlled drugs, criminal facilitation, criminal solicitation, criminal conspiracy and money laundering.
Bong Lawmakers Demand Speedy Trial
While defending due process, the Caucus went further by demanding that the case move quickly through the courts.
It said prolonged pretrial detention without timely determination of a case is not in the interest of the accused, the prosecution or the Liberian public.
“The Bong County Legislative Caucus particularly calls for a speedy trial,” the statement declared.
According to the lawmakers, a prompt and transparent trial would provide prosecutors an opportunity to present their evidence while giving Howard-Taylor adequate opportunity to defend herself before a competent court.
The call comes after the Monrovia City Court ordered Howard-Taylor committed to the Monrovia Central Prison after denying her lawyers’ request for medical or humanitarian detention outside prison. She had reportedly experienced a medical emergency while in police custody.
The court proceedings followed the issuance of a writ of arrest detailing allegations against Howard-Taylor and three foreign nationals who were charged in absentia.
‘No Selective Justice’
The Caucus’ statement also carries political significance because it comes amid growing criticism from political figures and sections of the public over the handling of the broader drug investigation.
Alternative National Congress Political Leader Alexander Benedict Cummings, following his Sunday visit to Howard-Taylor at the Monrovia Central Prison, similarly called for a speedy, fair and non-selective trial and warned against applying different standards to different suspects.
Cummings has argued that anyone linked to the narcotics investigation should be subjected to the same legal process, regardless of political status or position.
The Bong Caucus echoed that broader concern without directly accusing the government of selective prosecution.
“The same justice that protects the state and its citizens must also protect the rights of every person facing criminal allegations,” the lawmakers said.
Drug War Meets Political Accountability
The Caucus nevertheless acknowledged the government’s campaign against illicit drugs, saying it recognizes the importance of efforts to combat narcotics trafficking and protect Liberians.
But it warned that the fight against drugs must be conducted within the framework of the Constitution, the rule of law and established legal procedures.
That position comes against the backdrop of Liberia’s largest reported narcotics seizure, involving roughly four tonnes of cocaine valued at more than US$300 million, which has triggered a wider investigation into alleged transnational drug trafficking networks and raised questions about the possible involvement of senior officials and other influential individuals.
Howard-Taylor’s arrest and prosecution have consequently become one of the most politically sensitive dimensions of the investigation.
The former Vice President has denied the allegations, while her lawyers have characterized the case as politically motivated. The government, meanwhile, says the prosecution is based on evidence gathered by a joint national security investigative team.
‘Let the Court Determine the Truth’
The Bong lawmakers said the seriousness of the allegations should not be used to justify abandoning constitutional protections.
Instead, they want the courts to determine the truth through an open and credible judicial process.
“The seriousness of the allegations requires a process that will inspire public confidence and ensure that, whatever the eventual outcome, the decision is based on evidence and the rule of law,” the statement said.
The Caucus urged the Government of Liberia, Ministry of Justice, Judiciary and other relevant authorities to ensure that the proceedings move forward “expeditiously, fairly and transparently,” allowing the court—not political actors, public opinion or speculation—to determine the outcome based on the evidence presented.
A Political Message From Bong
The statement ultimately represents a carefully calibrated political position from lawmakers representing a county with a long political relationship with Howard-Taylor.
The Caucus has made clear that it is standing with a former senator from Bong while simultaneously affirming that the law must apply to everyone.
Its message is therefore not a call to shield Howard-Taylor from prosecution, but a demand that the prosecution meet the same constitutional and evidentiary standards expected in any serious criminal case.
“The Caucus remains committed to peace, justice, constitutional governance and the protection of the rights of every Liberian,” the statement concluded.
For the Bong County lawmakers, the central test now is whether Liberia can pursue one of its most consequential drug cases while demonstrating that justice can be both tough on crime and faithful to the Constitution.
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