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The Sports Writers Association of Sierra Leone (SWASAL) has opened a fact-finding investigation into an alleged assault and denial of access involving journalist Hilton John at the Southern Arena in Bo City.
SWASAL announced the investigation in a press release, stating that a committee has been constituted to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident and engage relevant stakeholders.
The committee is expected to present its findings and recommendations to the association, which will subsequently determine the appropriate course of action.
The association also called on stadium authorities, football clubs, security personnel, sports administrators and journalists to uphold professionalism, mutual respect and cooperation.
SWASAL urged all parties to remain calm and allow the investigative process to run its course.
John, a journalist with Star Radio & Television, was among a group of sports journalists trained and certified earlier this year through a partnership between SWASAL and the Human Kinetics and Sport Department.
The latest incident comes amid previous concerns over the safety of sports journalists in Sierra Leone. In April 2025, Alusine Rehme Wilson, chairman of SWASAL’s Northern Region Chapter, was reportedly assaulted while covering a Premier League match in Makeni.
Following that incident, SWASAL imposed a ban on collaborative engagements with the Premier League Board, a decision that was later lifted in July 2025.
More broadly, concerns over press freedom and journalist safety have persisted in Sierra Leone, with the Media Reform Coordinating Group previously documenting alleged physical assaults, arrests and detentions involving journalists across the country.
