VP Taylor Granted Compassionate Leave

Former Vice President Cllr. Jewel Howard Taylor has been granted compassionate medical release from pre-trial detention by Criminal Court “C,” Judge Ousman F. Feika, based on her reported life-threatening medical condition.

In an application filed before the court, Taylor informed Judge Feika that she had been suffering from a life-threatening medical condition requiring continuous medical care which was reportedly not available at her current detention facility.

According to her, she previously petitioned the Magistrate of the Monrovia City Court for compassionate release on medical grounds.

 However, her request was denied on grounds that the Magistrate Court lacked trial jurisdiction over the charges against her and therefore did not have the authority to grant the requested relief.

The defense relied on Chapters 12, Sections 12.1 and 12.2 of the Criminal Procedure Law in seeking the court’s intervention.

Interestingly, the prosecution also filed a Bill of Information before Criminal Court “C,” asking the court to grant former VP Taylor compassionate medical release because of her reported health condition.

Judge Feika noted that both the defense and prosecution were seeking the same outcome. As a result, the court consolidated the two applications and considered them together in reaching its ruling. The court subsequently granted Taylor compassionate medical leave from pre-trial detention on medical grounds, while making clear that the release does not bring an end to the criminal proceedings against her.

Under the ruling, Taylor is to remain at a designated residence pending the termination or conclusion of the ongoing criminal proceedings against her.

She will also be regularly assessed by a physician appointed by the court and if it is determined by the court that she is in good and healthy condition, she should be returned to her duty.

The court further ruled that if Taylor’s medical condition improves appreciably, she may be returned to the Monrovia Central Prison, the facility designated for individuals similarly detained.

Judge Feika emphasized that the compassionate release is based purely on medical grounds and does not constitute a dismissal of the charges, acquittal, pardon, immunity, or termination of the criminal proceedings against the former Vice President.

The court concluded: “It is hereby so ordered.”