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February 17, 2025 – South Africa/Netherlands –
Dutch journalist Sophie van Leeuwen, an Africa correspondent for RTL Nieuws, was detained by Sierra Leonean authorities on suspicion of espionage. She was reportedly conducting documentary work in Freetown when she was arrested by the Sierra Leone Police. The police alleged that she was filming without proper authorization, leading to her detention and subsequent interrogation at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
Van Leeuwen’s arrest coincided with heightened tensions between Sierra Leone and the Netherlands over the alleged presence of Dutch drug lord Jos Leijdekkers in Sierra Leone. Leijdekkers, sentenced in absentia in the Netherlands for drug trafficking, was reportedly residing in Sierra Leone, raising concerns among Dutch authorities. Some analysts speculated that Van Leeuwen’s detention might be linked to her investigative reporting on this issue.
Following her release, Van Leeuwen criticized the handling of her case, stating that the actions of the Sierra Leonean authorities had “destroyed” her work and endangered her local collaborator, Joseph Turay. She also expressed concerns about the state of press freedom in Sierra Leone, noting the challenges faced by journalists operating in the country.
The incident has drawn international attention to the challenges faced by journalists in Sierra Leone, particularly those reporting on sensitive topics such as corruption and organized crime. It underscores the importance of safeguarding press freedom and ensuring that journalists can operate without fear of detention or harassment.
Van Leeuwen’s case serves as a reminder of the precarious situation for journalists in certain regions and highlights the need for continued advocacy for press freedom and the protection of journalists’ rights.
Reference –
Dutch journalist departs Sierra Leone following clash with law enforcement authorities.
https://nltimes.nl/2025/02/17/dutch-journalist-freed-espionage-charges-dropped-sierra-leone
