The Sierra Leone Police have reportedly retained thd belongings of Dutch journalist Sophie Van Leeuwen as investigations continue over her recent detention, raising concerns about press freedom in the West African nation.
Van Leeuwen, an Africa correspondent for RTL Nieuws, was apprehended on Thursday, February 13, 2025, while reporting near Freetown.
Authorities allege she was filming without the necessary permit, leading to suspicions of possible espionage. She was detained alongside a local journalist, according to the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), which has called for due process and respect for press freedom in handling the matter.
The journalist’s personal belongings, including her passport, mobile phone, and camera, remain in police custody as they undergo detailed analysis at the cyber unit of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID).
Assistant Police Commissioner Allieu Jalloh, head of the CID, stated in a press conference that the evaluation of Van Leeuwen’s belongings is expected to conclude within the next one to two days, after which the items would be returned to her.
“Our intention is to ensure an expedited review while respecting the rights of the individuals involved,” Jalloh emphasized, highlighting the balance law enforcement seeks between public security and journalistic integrity.
This incident coincides with a scandal involving the alleged presence of convicted Dutch drug lord Jos Leijdekkers in Sierra Leone. Leijdekkers, one of Europe’s most-wanted fugitives, was sentenced in absentia to 24 years in prison by a Rotterdam court in June 2024 for smuggling over seven tonnes of cocaine. He is believed to have been residing in Sierra Leone for approximately six months prior to his discovery.
As the situation unfolds, Van Leeuwen’s local fixer, journalist Joseph Turay, is also under investigation, with his vehicle impounded by the police at the CID’s Pademba Road headquarters. Fears are mounting that Turay might face similar charges.
The CID has assured SLAJ that Turay may reclaim his vehicle but will need to provide a formal statement before doing so, a process that could potentially prolong his unease.
These developments have sparked widespread concern among journalist circles and press freedom advocates, who are closely monitoring the case. SLAJ has reiterated its commitment to advocating for the rights and safety of journalists in Sierra Leone, maintaining constant communication with the police to ensure transparency in the investigation.
As time progresses, the return of Van Leeuwen’s belongings becomes increasingly critical, symbolizing not just the resolution of a personal issue but also bearing larger implications for journalistic freedom within a challenging landscape.
Rights organizations both within and outside Sierra Leone are currently monitoring the situation, hopeful for a swift resolution that honors the rights of the press and the individuals involved.
