By James T. Brooks
Information Minister Jerolinmek M. Piah has clarified that the defense team representing former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor, rather than the prosecution, withdrew its request for a preliminary examination in an ongoing illicit drug case.
Speaking at the Ministry of Information’s regular press briefing, Minister Piah rejected public claims that prosecutors had objected to disclosing evidence during the preliminary hearing.
Minister Piah explained that the former Vice President and her legal counsel had originally requested the preliminary examination, a motion subsequently granted by the court. Under Section 12.2 of Liberia’s Criminal Procedure Law, a preliminary examination in a felony case is conducted specifically when requested by the defense to determine if sufficient probable cause exists to bind a case over for trial. During these proceedings, the prosecution presents foundational evidence and witness testimony, which the defense has the right to cross-examine.
During the hearing, prosecution witness Raphael Wilson testified that investigators legally obtained voice recordings from Sheikh A. M. Porte. Investigators identified Porte as an associate of the former Vice President who allegedly maintained contact with members of the drug cartel and facilitated a meeting involving them. Minister Piah declined to reveal further specifics of the testimony, noting that the matter remains pending before the judiciary.
Describing defense claims that the prosecution blocked evidence disclosure as misleading, Minister Piah reiterated that the defense team voluntarily withdrew its request, effectively ending the preliminary proceeding before its completion.
By waiving the preliminary examination, the defense allowed the case to move directly to the Circuit Court, where the formal trial will take place. Minister Piah emphasized that any evidence not fully introduced during the preliminary hearing will be presented during the Circuit Court trial.
Reaffirming the government’s stance, the Information Minister stated that state prosecutors remain confident that the evidence against those charged will withstand judicial scrutiny. While acknowledging the government’s commitment to avoiding litigating matters in the court of public opinion, Minister Piah stressed that official action was necessary to correct misinformation and provide accurate public clarification.
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