Liberia: Taylor Returns to Court Today

What the report says

Former Liberian Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor is due back before the Monrovia City Court on Friday, September 4, for a preliminary examination tied to criminal charges filed by the state. The hearing had been delayed after her lawyers said she was unwell and needed medical attention. Stipendiary Magistrate Cllr. L. Ben Barco then reset the session for 10:00 a.m., according to The New Dawn, which is carried by AllAfrica.

Her defense team had earlier asked for a short continuance, saying she wanted to take part in the process but could not proceed as scheduled because of her condition. The lawyers also said she sought examination by a doctor familiar with her medical history before returning to court. The court filing was described as a request for additional time to allow that treatment.

Howard-Taylor is charged alongside three foreign nationals — Teras Zadereiko, also known as Tony; Mihoval Vrovac, also known as Michael; and Nikola Ivanic — in an investigation linked to alleged drug trafficking. The charges include importation, possession, sale and transportation of controlled drugs, as well as conspiracy, facilitation, solicitation, and aiding and abetting. The preliminary examination is meant to test whether prosecutors can show enough basis for the case to move forward, while the defense is expected to challenge the evidence. As reported, all defendants remain presumed innocent unless a court proves otherwise.