By By: Moses P. Smith
Monrovia — The Coalition for Democratic Change has condemned the charges against former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor, calling them “intimidation and harassment” by the Boakai-Koung administration.
In a press release issued Wednesday, August 19, 2026, the CDC said the arrest threatens Liberia’s “hard-earned peace.” The party accused the government of using “unsubstantiated” charges to distract the public.
The most controversial claim: CDC warned the government not to use the former VP as a “scapegoat” to shield security officers and state actors who may be linked to the $317 million drug case. The party argued that real culprits inside the current administration are being protected while opposition figures are targeted.
CDC said it supports the rule of law but warned that “selective prosecution” destroys public trust. The party called on independent institutions to take over and run a transparent investigation into the drug bust.
The former ruling party vowed to “monitor the legal proceedings closely” and said it is ready to “resist undemocratic actions.” CDC’s statement sets up a direct clash with government, which insists no one will be shielded in the ongoing narcotics probe.
