The Guild of Newspaper Editors–Sierra Leone (GoNE-SL) has issued a blistering condemnation of what it describes as an “unlawful and intimidating raid” by officers of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on the offices of The Watch Newspaper on Tuesday, 18th November 2025.
According to staff on duty, CID personnel stormed the premises asserting they were searching for the Managing Editor of The Gleaner Newspaper. Workers informed the officers that The Gleaner does not operate from that location, but despite this clarification, police reportedly insisted that the secretary of The Watch accompany them to CID headquarters for questioning.
The Guild has labelled the incident a dangerous escalation—one that threatens press freedom and violates the sanctity of the newsroom.
“This action is intimidation, harassment, and a blatant affront to democracy,” the Guild said in a statement. “Police raids on media institutions have no place in a free society.”
Guild Chairman Thomas Dixon strongly rebuked the Police, saying:
“Media houses should not be subjected to police raids for publishing a story. If the Police want intelligence, they can use the story as a lead. What they did on Tuesday amounts to harassment and intimidation. There are many people online with pictures and videos of Jos Leijdekkers who could be of immense help to them.”
The Guild emphasized that journalists should never be compelled to act as intelligence operatives for law enforcement, insisting that newsrooms must remain independent spaces where reporters can work free of fear or coercion.
GoNE-SL is demanding a full explanation from the Sierra Leone Police and immediate assurances that such actions will not be repeated.
“The Guild remains unwavering in its commitment to defend the rights, safety, and editorial independence of all journalists and editors in Sierra Leone,” the statement concluded.
