MONROVIA — The Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) has condemned what it describes as the harassment, intimidation, detention and alleged fabrication of charges against former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor, accusing the government of abusing state power and potentially weaponizing the justice system.
In a statement issued Wednesday, August 19, 2026, the CDC said the former vice president was being pursued without what it considers a clear, credible and transparent explanation of the allegations against her.
The opposition party argued that the actions raise concerns about possible political persecution and could divert public attention from other individuals whose roles, it said, warrant thorough and impartial investigation.
“The degrading treatment” allegedly meted out to Howard-Taylor, according to the CDC, constitutes an affront to her dignity and constitutional rights and poses a threat to Liberia’s democratic stability.
The CDC called for an independent, transparent and credible investigation into the matter, stressing that the government should not rely on what it described as unsubstantiated charges, intimidation or procedural tactics to protect security officials or other state actors who may be implicated.
The party further accused the government of attempting to damage Howard-Taylor’s reputation and manipulate public opinion through state institutions, describing such conduct as a “tyrannical abuse of power.”
The CDC said it would resist what it considers politically motivated actions through lawful and democratic means.
The party is demanding that the government publicly disclose the factual and legal basis for its actions against Howard-Taylor and guarantee her constitutional rights, dignity, safety and unhindered access to legal counsel.
It is also calling for an immediate end to what it described as politically motivated harassment and intimidation and wants every person implicated in the matter investigated independently and impartially, regardless of political affiliation or official position.
The CDC also appealed to civil society organizations, religious leaders, the media, political parties, members of the diplomatic community and other democratic forces to defend constitutional governance, due process and the rule of law.
The statement was signed by Atty. Janga Augustus Kowo, National Chairman of the Coalition for Democratic Change.
The CDC concluded that any attack on the rights of one political leader should be viewed as a warning to all Liberians, urging citizens to defend democratic principles and constitutional rights.
