Date: 22 May 2025
The Management of AYV Media strongly condemns the unwarranted assault on one of our senior camera journalists, Foday Fofanah, by personnel of the Sierra Leone Police at Old Model Road Junction, Freetown, on Wednesday, 21st May 2025.
Foday was returning from an official assignment when he intervened in what he believed was an unfair situation involving a female street vendor and two police officers chasing a commercial motorbike rider. His intervention, in defence of a vulnerable citizen, should not have resulted in assault, intimidation, and physical harm.
AYV stands firmly by our staff and views this incident as a gross abuse of power and a threat to press freedom.
We are calling on the leadership of the Sierra Leone Police and the Independent Police Complaints Board (IPCB) to swiftly investigate this matter and hold the officers responsible accountable.
We have officially reported the matter to the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) and are in contact with relevant authorities.
We urge all institutions of state to ensure that the safety and rights of journalists are upheld in line with national and international standards.
Management
AYV Media Empire
AYV Africa regional media centre: Wesley Street, Tower Hill, Freetown. Sierra Leone.
AYV International media centre: HQ, 18 Soho Square, London, United Kingdom, W1D 3QL.
Tel: +232 (0) 88 51 68 64. +232 (0) 30 901445. +232 (0) 90 101107. WhatsApp Number: +232 (0) 90 075766.
Email: hr@ayvnews.com; info@ayvnews.com; coo@ayvnews.com
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