Following intensive scrutiny from the Sierra Leone Police, Dutch journalist Sophie Leeuwem has exited Sierra Leone.
Sophie, who claims to be an Africa correspondent for RTL Nieuws in Netherlands, was arrested by the police for Interrogation on suspicion of espionage and doing journalistic work without permission from the government of Sierra Leone.
Although she was later released, the government of Sierra Leone faced criticism that her arrest was not an attack on freedom of the press but also a misplaced priority.
The interim president of the Lawyer’s Society, Augustine Sorie Sengeh-Marrah, holds the view that the government’s main priority should be hunting down drug fugitive Jos Leijdekkers, who is reported to be in the country rather than going after harmless individuals.
“Our security apparatus is very swift in targeting and nabbing harmless perceived anti-government individuals but inept in unearthing the actual identity of known and hardcore criminals such as Europe’s most wanted fugitive Bolle Jos,” he states on X.
The following days, the investigations on Sophie continued, during which the police confiscated her personal belongings. The items include her passport, phone, camera, and SD card.
Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), the umbrella body of journalists, made the announcement on Facebook confirming that the Journalist personal belongings were returned except her SD Card.
“However, the police have withheld her SD card on grounds of ‘security reasons.” SLAJ states.
However, during an interview with Liberty Online TV, the Deputy Head of Media and Public Relations, Sierra Leone Police, ASP Mohamed Bobson Senu, revealed that every item was returned to her, including her SD card.
In his submission, the Dutch journalist’s interception is within the purview of the police to maintain public safety, public order, prevention and investigation of suspected crime.
Considering everything that happened between the Dutch journalist and the police, concerned citizens were curious to know exactly what caught the attention of Sierra Leone’s police, leading them to suspect her of spying.
The Deputy Head of Media and Public Relations added that Sophie was suspected of possible spy activities after discovering that she had been taking pictures of public buildings, including the Police Headquarters.
Finally, Sophie has left the shores of the country. She was reportedly escorted by lawyer, Charles Abass Bangura Esq. of Edrina Chambers.