The Sierra Leone Police have confirmed that personal items belonging to Dutch journalist Sophie Van Leeuwen—her passport, mobile phone, and camera—remain in police custody, despite her release to continue her work in Sierra Leone.
According to the Head of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), ACP Allieu Jalloh, the items are currently being “analyzed at the cyber unit of the police.” He assured that they will be returned to the journalist once the analysis is completed within the next day or two.
Additionally, the vehicle belonging to local journalist Joseph Turay, who was assisting Van Leeuwen as a fixer, remains parked at the CID compound. Turay reportedly abandoned the vehicle out of fear of being detained. The CID boss has assured SLAJ that Turay can reclaim the vehicle but will be required to make a statement before doing so.
SLAJ remains in close contact with the police and will continue to provide updates on any further developments.
— SLAJ Secretariat
