As former Vice-President remains in Monrovia Central Prison, the legislative caucus insists on due process, presumption of innocence, and a transparent judicial process amid growing public tension
BY: JOHN KAMARA TAYLOR
MONROVIA – The Bong County Legislative Caucus has thrown its weight behind former Vice-President Jewel Howard-Taylor, calling for a speedy, fair, and transparent trial as she remains detained at the Monrovia Central Prison over allegations of drug trafficking and money laundering.
In a statement issued Monday, the lawmakers underscored that Taylor is constitutionally entitled to due process and the presumption of innocence until proven guilty by a competent court of law.
According to the Caucus, its members personally visited the former Vice-President following her arrest on 19 August, offering moral support while carefully distancing their position from any act of judicial interference.
“Their visit was an expression of solidarity, not an attempt to undermine the courts,” the statement read, in a deliberate effort to shield the group from accusations of meddling in an ongoing criminal matter.
The lawmakers called on the government, the Ministry of Justice, and the judiciary to handle the case with the highest standards of professionalism, impartiality, and transparency. They cautioned strongly against political interference and public prejudgment, warning that such conduct could erode public confidence in the justice system.
The Caucus also appealed to the Liberian public to resist the temptation of speculation and media trial, urging citizens to allow the courts to independently establish the facts of the case.
Central to the lawmakers’ concerns is the length of Taylor’s pre-trial detention. They pressed authorities to ensure the case proceeds without unnecessary delay, arguing that prolonged incarceration before conviction undermines the principle of justice.
The call comes at a sensitive moment, as the high-profile nature of the case involving a former national leader has sparked widespread debate across the country over the intersection of law, politics, and public opinion.
As legal proceedings unfold, the Bong County Caucus insists that the eyes of the nation remain fixed on a process that must deliver justice fairly, transparently, and without fear or favor.