Dutch journalist detained in Sierra Leone while reporting on drug convict Bolle Jos

Dutch RTL Nieuws journalist Sophie van Leeuwen was arrested near Freetown in Sierra Leone on Thursday. She was released from custody some time later, her employer confirmed. Van Leeuwen is suspected of unlawfully recording images. She is not allowed to leave the country pending further questioning.

RTL editor-in-chief Ilse Oppeneer has spoken to Van Leeuwen. “We are happy that she is doing well,” said Oppeneer. Van Leeuwen has left the police with her lawyer.

Van Leeuwen is an Africa correspondent for RTL Nieuws and is in Sierra Leone to report on the case of Jos Leijdekkers, also known as Bolle Jos. The convicted Dutch drug barron is believed to be in the African country. She had permission from the local authorities to do so, RTL Nieuws reported. On Wednesday, she attended a press conference with the Minister of Information where Leijdekkers was discussed.

Earlier, Openneer 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 rarely happens that journalists are arrested in the country in this way. 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 did have the correct accreditation.