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 to 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 assured that van Leeuwen is welcome to return to Sierra Leone at any time, while also emphasizing that the police were simply fulfilling their duties.
When asked for further details about the interrogation, CID Chief ACP Allieu Jalloh revealed that police had found “a lot of inconsistencies and deception” in van Leeuwen’s statements. However, he emphasized that her release was ultimately a decision made by the government.