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MONROVIA, Liberia — Criminal Court “C” Judge Ousman F. Feika has granted former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor compassionate release from the Monrovia Central Prison because of reported medical concerns.
Under the court’s ruling, Howard-Taylor must surrender her passport and all other travel documents. Visits at her residence will also be restricted to family members and her physician or physician’s assistant.
The order allows the former vice president to receive medical care outside prison while the criminal proceedings against her continue. It does not dismiss the charges, terminate the investigation or constitute a finding of innocence.
Howard-Taylor’s lawyers had repeatedly argued that her health could deteriorate in prison. They cited reported asthma, high blood pressure and the need for continuing medical supervision.
The prosecution previously opposed releasing her on medical grounds, arguing that an earlier medical report showed her vital signs were relatively stable.
Lower court previously rejected request
The Criminal Court “C” decision reverses, in practical effect, an earlier ruling by Monrovia City Court Magistrate L. Ben Barco.
Magistrate Barco denied Howard-Taylor’s request for compassionate detention on August 25 and ordered her transferred to the Monrovia Central Prison. He ruled that authority to grant compassionate leave rested with the Executive Branch through the Ministry of Justice.
Howard-Taylor’s lawyers challenged that decision before a higher court, maintaining that continued imprisonment could threaten her health.
Judge Feika subsequently examined the defense’s application and granted the conditional release.
Criminal case continues
Howard-Taylor is facing several charges connected to the government’s investigation of an alleged transnational narcotics-trafficking organization. The charges include illicit trafficking, money laundering, criminal conspiracy, criminal facilitation and related offenses.
Prosecutors allege that Howard-Taylor accepted money and agreed to use her political influence to assist people identified as members of the suspected organization.
She has denied the allegations, calling them unfounded and politically motivated. She remains presumed innocent unless convicted by a court of competent jurisdiction.
Her preliminary examination before the Monrovia City Court is expected to continue. That proceeding will determine whether the prosecution has established probable cause to send the case to the Circuit Court for trial.
The complete written ruling, including its medical findings and enforcement provisions, had not been publicly released when this report was prepared.
