Monrovia – The Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) has launched a strong defense of former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor, challenging the government to explain the legal grounds for actions taken against her and accusing state authorities of using the justice system for political purposes.
In a statement released Wednesday, August 19, 2026, the opposition party questioned the circumstances surrounding the former vice president’s detention and the allegations reportedly brought against her.
The CDC contends that the government has yet to provide a convincing public account of the case and argues that the handling of the matter could amount to political retaliation rather than a legitimate pursuit of justice.
According to the party, the focus on Howard-Taylor could also shift attention away from other individuals whose alleged involvement should be examined as part of a broader investigation.
The CDC said the treatment of the former vice president has raised concerns about her constitutional protections and personal dignity, warning that politically charged actions against prominent opposition figures could have wider implications for Liberia’s peace and democratic institutions.
The party is therefore calling for the case to be handled through a process it considers independent and impartial, with investigators examining all persons connected to the matter without regard to their political status or government positions.
The CDC also challenged the government to make public the evidence and legal provisions supporting its actions against Howard-Taylor.
Among its demands, the opposition party wants the former vice president guaranteed access to legal representation and afforded full protection of her constitutional rights throughout the proceedings.
The party further called for an end to what it characterized as intimidation and politically driven pressure, warning that state institutions should not be used to influence public perception or damage the reputation of political opponents.
The CDC urged civil society groups, religious leaders, journalists, political parties, members of the diplomatic community and other democratic stakeholders to remain vigilant in protecting due process and constitutional governance.
The statement was signed by Atty. Janga Augustus Kowo, National Chairman of the CDC.
The party maintained that the treatment of any political leader has broader implications for citizens’ rights, stressing that Liberia’s democratic institutions must remain subject to the rule of law.
