Jewel Howard-Taylor gets due process pledge in drug case

Liberian President Joseph Nyuma Boakai said former vice president Jewel Howard-Taylor will receive due process after she was charged and detained in a drug-trafficking case.

Howard-Taylor was charged last week and remanded in custody in a case linked to a major cocaine seizure at the airport. Boakai launched an investigation in June after 237.6 kilogrammes of cocaine were seized and pledged to expose and destroy Liberia's drug networks.

Boakai said Wednesday that his campaign was not aimed at any political movement or individual, but at conduct that threatens Liberia's safety, stability and future.

“I assure every Liberian, our regional neighbours, and our international partners that former Vice President Taylor is being treated in full compliance with the constitution and laws of Liberia,” Boakai said. He said she is presumed innocent, has access to legal counsel and is entitled to due process.

Howard-Taylor served as vice president from 2018 to 2024 under President George Weah. Her lawyers previously asked that she not be detained while awaiting trial, saying she has asthma, but the court denied the request.

The case comes amid concern from the opposition Alternative National Congress that the government may be targeting figures linked to the former ruling Congress for Democratic Change, Howard-Taylor's party.