By Hassan Osman Kargbo
Dutch journalist, Sophie van Leeuwen, found herself on the spotlight for a second consecutive day, facing questions from the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) regarding her activities in the country.
The situation, as detailed in an official press statement released Friday 14th February 2025, stems from concerns over van Leeuwen’s journalistic conduct. The police allege that the journalist was operating without the required media accreditation, a critical step for foreign journalists to legally practice their profession in Sierra Leone. Furthermore, authorities claim she concealed her presence in the country, providing a future date for her arrival to others while already engaging in reporting activities.
The police revelations have ignited debates. While SLP emphasized the importance of adhering to established procedures, many are raising concerns about the implications for press freedom. The statement highlights a 2023 media advisory from the Sierra Leone Government, underlining the formal requirements.
The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) has responded to the situation by urging its members to adhere to established procedures and ensure that foreign journalists follow the correct protocols.
The statement concludes by assuring the public that the police remain committed to collaborating with communities to ensure everyone’s safety.
Van Leeuwen has been released, but with a caution against engaging in any journalistic activities until the proper accreditation is secured.
The news has already sparked discussion within journalist cicles both in Sierra Leone and abroad. Many are looking for further clarification and details of van Leeuwen’s work, including what specific topics she was investigating, and the context of the information she was collecting.
The hope among many is that such a situation will be handled transparently and in a way that upholds both the law and the principles of press freedom.
