By Enyichukwu Enemanna
A journalist working with Dutch RTL Nieuws, Sophie van Leeuwen, has been arrested in a city near Freetown, the capital of Sierra Leone.
Her employer confirmed that Van Leeuwen, who was arrested on Thursday on suspicion of unlawfully recording images, was later released from custody but not allowed to leave the West African country pending the conclusion of the investigation.
The editor-in-chief of RTL, Ilse Oppeneer, has spoken to Van Leeuwen in a telephone conversation. “We are happy that she is doing well,” Oppeneer said. Van Leeuwen left the police station in the company of her lawyer.
The arrested journalist is an Africa correspondent for RTL Nieuws and is in Sierra Leone to report on the case of a drug convict, Jos Leijdekkers, also known as Bolle Jos.
The Dutch drug trafficker, one of Europe’s most-wanted fugitives, is believed to be hiding in the West African country.
Jos Leijdekkers was sentenced in absentia by a Rotterdam court in June last year to 24 years in prison for organising the transport of seven tonnes of cocaine and ordering a murder.
Van Leeuwen had permission from the local authorities to report on the drug lord, her employer RTL Nieuws reported.
On Wednesday, the arrested journalist attended a press conference held by the Minister of Information, where Leijdekkers was discussed.
Earlier, Oppeneer reported on the RTL Nieuws website that the local authorities were still determining the exact suspicion against Van Leeuwen and that her belongings had been searched.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is providing assistance but would not comment further.
The Sierra Leone police have issued a statement about the arrest. It confirmed that Van Leeuwen was questioned “because of her activities in Sierra Leone” but provided no further details.
“Given her cooperation with the questioning, Mrs Van Leeuwen has been released to continue her work,” the police said.
Ahmed Sahid Nasralla, chairman of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), said that it is rare for journalists to be arrested in this manner in the country.
The police have reportedly informed SLAJ that Van Leeuwen is suspected of possible espionage and working without the required permits.
However, the Ministry of Information has reportedly stated that she has the right accreditation.
