Liberia: 'Detention Before Trial Must Not Become Punishment'

What the report says

The Angie Brooks International Centre (ABIC) has urged Liberian authorities to ensure that pretrial detention is not used as punishment in the case of former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor, who has been detained in connection with a major drug trafficking investigation. In a statement reported by the Liberian Observer and distributed by AllAfrica, ABIC said that accused people must be treated humanely and that guilt can only be determined by a court after due process.

ABIC said it supports investigations and prosecutions in Liberia’s anti-drug drive, including cases involving people suspected of financing, enabling, transporting or profiting from illegal drugs. At the same time, the group said the seriousness of the country’s drug crisis does not override constitutional protections for detainees. The organization cited the need for prompt access to lawyers, disclosure of charges, timely court appearances and protection from abuse or degrading treatment.

The statement came after Howard-Taylor, who served as Liberia’s vice president from 2018 to 2024, was detained and later fell ill while in police custody, causing a scheduled court appearance to be postponed for medical attention. ABIC praised the Liberia National Police for arranging treatment quickly, while saying that the same standard should apply to all detainees, not only prominent figures.

The case is part of a broader investigation that authorities have described as involving a large international narcotics network. Howard-Taylor has denied the allegations. ABIC said the episode is a test of whether Liberia can pursue suspected drug crimes while still upholding the rule of law and constitutional rights.