SLAJ Condemns Police Assault on AYV Journalist, Calls for Immediate Investigation
The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) has strongly condemned what it describes as a violent and unacceptable assault on Foday Fofanah, a journalist and camera operator with Africa Young Voices (AYV) Media Empire, allegedly carried out by armed police officers on Wednesday, 21st May 2025.
The incident reportedly took place at Old Model Road Junction in Freetown, while Fofanah was returning from an official assignment. According to preliminary reports, the journalist intervened in a public dispute involving police officers, a commercial motorbike rider, and a female street vendor whose goods had been destroyed. Fofanah’s expression of concern over the woman’s plight allegedly triggered a hostile response from the officers.
Eyewitnesses and video footage circulating online suggest that the journalist was pepper-sprayed, physically assaulted, and threatened at gunpoint. He sustained visible injuries, including a swollen eye. His supervisor, who arrived after receiving a distress call, was also allegedly threatened.
In a press release dated 22nd May, SLAJ described the incident as “a dangerous affront to press freedom, human dignity, and public accountability,” adding that “no level of alleged interference justifies such violent and excessive use of force against an unarmed civilian.”
SLAJ is calling for a full, urgent, and transparent investigation by the Sierra Leone Police and is urging the Independent Police Complaints Board (IPCB) and the Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone (HRCSL) to independently monitor and probe the matter.
The Association also reminded the police of their obligations under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the Office of National Security (ONS), which includes commitments to protect journalists, particularly in the course of their duties.
While acknowledging the importance of journalists exercising caution and professionalism during interactions with law enforcement, SLAJ expressed concern over what it sees as a recurring pattern of police aggression toward media practitioners.
“This persistent hostility towards journalists by some members of the Sierra Leone Police is unacceptable,” said SLAJ President Ahmed Sahid Nasralla. “We have engaged the leadership of the police, signed a MoU, and appealed for professionalism. Yet, the violence continues. If this trend does not end, SLAJ will be compelled to pursue legal redress.”
The Association declared its full solidarity with AYV and reaffirmed its commitment to defending the rights, safety, and professional integrity of journalists across Sierra Leone.