The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) has issued a press release urging foreign journalists to follow due process before coming to Sierra Leone to engage in any journalistic work.

This came following the recent incident involving a Dutch journalist, Sophie Van Leeuwen, who was apprehended for interrogation by Sierra Leone police.

She was reportedly interrogated on suspicion of possible spy activities and conducting a documentary without clearance from the government.

SLAJ advised that foreign journalists should endeavour to seek necessary clearance from governmental authorities and equally notify the journalists union, SLAJ, of their presence and as well as the nature of their journalistic work in the country.

According to SLAJ, this procedure is to ensure that the union is aware of the journalistic work of foreign journalists in order to provide them the necessary support, guidance and protection when need arise