A senior cameraman of the Africa Young Voices (AYV) Media Empire, Moses Kargbo, has alleged that he was physically assaulted by police officers while filming a protest in Freetown on Tuesday, May 21, 2025.
The incident reportedly occurred at the Cotton Tree area, where a group of citizens had gathered to express dissatisfaction over the ongoing economic hardship. According to Kargbo, he was covering the protest in his official capacity as a journalist when officers approached him and demanded he stop filming. He claimed that upon identifying himself and presenting his press credentials, he was slapped, shoved to the ground, and his camera briefly confiscated.
“I was just doing my job,” Kargbo said. “Even after I showed them my ID, they hit me and pushed me. This is not the first time journalists have faced such treatment.”
The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) has condemned the alleged assault and called for an independent investigation. In a statement, SLAJ President Ahmed Sahid Nasralla expressed concern over the increasing reports of police aggression toward media professionals.
“Journalists are not enemies of the state. They are key to upholding democracy and accountability,” Nasralla said. “We urge the Inspector General of Police to take this matter seriously and ensure those responsible are held to account.”
The Sierra Leone Police has not issued an official statement regarding the incident. However, sources within the force indicated that the situation is under internal review.
This latest incident has sparked renewed concerns about press freedom and the safety of media workers in Sierra Leone, especially in politically charged or high-tension environments.
SLAJ and other press freedom advocates are calling on the government to strengthen protections for journalists and ensure the police are trained to respect media rights in accordance with national and international standards.
By Umu Bah
