In a recent development that has sparked international attention, the Sierra Leone Police have confirmed the arrest of Dutch journalist Sophie Van Leeuwen in Freetown.

According to the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists she was detained along the peninsular while in the company of a local journalist, reportedly on suspicion of espionage and conducting documentary work without the necessary permissions.

Sophie, who serves as the Africa correspondent for RTL Nieuws, was allegedly in Sierra Leone for journalistic activities. A local journalist traveling with her indicated that Sophie had claimed to have accreditation from the Ministry of Information and Civic Education (MoICE) as a foreign journalist. The journalist also mentioned that Sophie attended the Ministry’s last press briefing and asked questions during the session.

Eastina Boimadi Taylor, the President of Women in the Media Sierra Leone (WIMSAL), also confirmed that Sophie had reached out to her for assistance in securing media accreditation before her arrival in Sierra Leone.

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The Sierra Leone Police have assured the public that Sophie is presumed innocent until proven guilty, and they are committed to conducting a thorough and objective investigation. Authorities stated that they will either close the case or proceed with further inquiries based on their findings.

The situation has draws a striking parallel to the current tension between the Sierra Leone government and the Dutch government regarding the identification of a wanted drug trafficker in Sierra Leone