AYV Journalist Assaulted by Police: SLAJ Demands Swift and Transparent Investigation

By Ishmael Sallieu Koroma

The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) has issued a strong condemnation following an alleged assault on Foday Fofanah, a camera operator for Africa Young Voices (AYV), by armed personnel of the Sierra Leone Police.

The incident reportedly occurred on the evening of Wednesday, 21st May 2025, at Old Model Road Junction in Freetown. According to initial reports, Fofanah was returning from an official assignment when he encountered a confrontation between police officers and a commercial motorbike rider. During the altercation, the goods of a female street vendor were allegedly destroyed.

In an effort to express concern for the woman’s plight, Fofanah reportedly intervened—only to be met with hostility and violence. Eyewitness accounts and videos widely shared on social media show the journalist being manhandled, pepper-sprayed, and threatened at gunpoint by uniformed officers. His supervisor, who arrived at the scene after a distress call, was also allegedly threatened.

Fofanah sustained multiple injuries, including a visibly swollen eye. The incident has since sparked outrage among media practitioners and civil society groups who view the act as yet another attack on press freedom in Sierra Leone.

In a press release issued on Thursday, SLAJ described the assault as “deeply concerning and completely unacceptable in a democratic society.”

“This persistent hostility towards journalists by some members of the Sierra Leone Police is unacceptable,” said SLAJ President Ahmed Sahid Nasralla. “SLAJ has engaged the leadership of the police on numerous occasions, signed a MoU through the Office of National Security, and repeatedly appealed for professionalism. Yet, the violence continues.”

Nasralla warned that if these attacks persist, SLAJ would be “compelled to pursue legal redress,” adding that “journalists are not enemies of the state; we are partners in promoting democracy and accountability.”

The Association also urged the Sierra Leone Police to launch an “urgent, impartial, and transparent” investigation into the incident and to hold all responsible officers accountable.

“This is not just an attack on one journalist, but a dangerous affront to press freedom, human dignity, and public accountability,” SLAJ stated. The organisation also reminded the police of their existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Office of National Security (ONS), which obliges the security sector to protect journalists in the line of duty.

Meanwhile, SLAJ has called on the Independent Police Complaints Board (IPCB) and the Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone (HRCSL) to actively investigate the matter. The Association disclosed that official letters would be dispatched to both institutions to that effect.

While the police have reportedly accused Fofanah of obstructing their operation, SLAJ maintains that “no level of alleged interference justifies such violent and excessive use of force, especially against an unarmed civilian.”

The press body acknowledged the importance of journalists exercising caution and professionalism during live security operations and pledged to intensify training efforts.

Nonetheless, the incident adds to growing concerns over what SLAJ refers to as a “worrying pattern” of police aggression towards journalists, despite repeated engagements aimed at fostering mutual respect and understanding.

SLAJ expressed solidarity with AYV and reaffirmed its commitment to defending the safety, rights, and integrity of journalists across the country.