The Sierra Leone Police have confirmed the arrest of a Dutch journalist, Sophie Van Leeuwen, in Freetown. She was arrested along the peninsular in the company of a local journalist.
According to the police, Sophie is being questioned on suspicion of possible espionage and for allegedly conducting documentary work without the necessary permissions.
According to the local journalist, Sophie claimed she had accreditation from the Ministry of Information and Civic Education (MoICE) as a foreign journalist in Sierra Leone, and even attended the Ministry’s last press briefing and asked questions during the presser. President of Women in the Media Sierra Leone (WIMSAL), Eastina Boimadi Taylor, confirmed that Sophie contacted her for assistance in acquiring media accreditation before coming to Sierra Leone.
The police assured that Sophie is presumed innocent until proven otherwise and emphasized their commitment to conducting an objective investigation. They also said they will determine whether to close the case or proceed with further inquiries based on the findings of their investigation.
Sophie is Africa correspondent at RTL Nieuws.
SLAJ is closely monitoring the situation and urges due process and respect for press freedom in handling the matter. We will provide updates as more information becomes available.
For inquiries, contact:
Alhaji Manika Kamara, Secretary General, on +232 76 814217
Ahmed Sahid Nasralla, President, +232 76 470288 / +232 30470288
