MONROVIA — Bong County native residing in the United States, David Flomo, has called on the Ministry of Justice to release former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor into the custody of her lawyers, arguing that the government can continue its investigation into the alleged drug case while ensuring that the former vice president receives proper legal and medical attention.
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By Selma Lomax, [email protected]
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Flomo made the appeal in a Facebook post amid heightened public attention surrounding Howard-Taylor’s detention and subsequent charging in connection with the government’s ongoing investigation into alleged narcotics trafficking.
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“While the fight against drugs in Liberia will have no boundaries and special protections for all citizens, however, the former vice President must be treated with respect and dignity,” Flomo wrote.
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He specifically urged the government to release Howard-Taylor to her lawyer and consider placing her under house arrest after she leaves the hospital.
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Flomo’s call follows Howard-Taylor’s detention after she was prevented Wednesday by joint security authorities from traveling out of Liberia. The former vice president was subsequently invited by the joint security for questioning as investigators expanded their probe into the alleged drug trafficking network.
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Following her appearance before investigators, Howard-Taylor was charged in connection with the ongoing investigation, bringing the former national leader directly into a case that has attracted significant public and political attention.
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Howard-Taylor, a native of Sanoyea District in Bong County, has since experienced health complications while in detention and was taken for medical treatment after reportedly falling sick.
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Her health condition has become an additional concern surrounding the former vice president’s detention, particularly as authorities and her legal representatives face the next stage of the proceedings.
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It is against this backdrop that Flomo is asking the Ministry of Justice to reconsider the conditions under which Howard-Taylor is being held. According to Flomo, releasing her to her lawyers would not prevent the government from continuing its investigation or pursuing the charges against her. Rather, he believes such an arrangement would allow authorities to maintain the legal process while ensuring that the former vice president receives appropriate care and representation.
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Flomo also questioned whether Howard-Taylor should be considered a flight risk, arguing that her status as a former senior government official means she continues to benefit from government security protection.
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“She isn’t flight risk because she protected for life by government security,” he stated.
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His recommendation for house arrest therefore appears to be based on the belief that authorities can maintain sufficient oversight of Howard-Taylor without keeping her in conventional detention, particularly while she is recovering from her reported illness.
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The appeal comes as the government continues to defend its broader campaign against illicit drugs and its decision to investigate individuals allegedly connected to the narcotics trade, regardless of their political or social standing.
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LiThe former vice president’s case has attracted heightened attention because of her previous position as Liberia’s second-highest constitutional official and her long history in national politics. Before serving as vice president, Howard-Taylor represented Bong County in the Liberian Senate.
