The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) has confirmed that the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) have returned the personal belongings of Dutch journalist Sophie van Leeuwen through her legal representatives at Edrina Chambers. The handover took place in the presence of the Minister of Information and Civic Education.
However, authorities have withheld van Leeuwen’s SD card, citing “security reasons.”
The Minister reassured that van Leeuwen is welcome to return to Sierra Leone at any time while also emphasizing that the police were carrying out their duties.
When questioned further about the interrogation, CID Chief ACP Allieu Jalloh stated that police had found “a lot of inconsistencies and deception” in van Leeuwen’s statements. However, he noted that her release was ultimately a government decision.
SLAJ remains engaged in monitoring the situation and will provide further updates as necessary.
