The Guild of Newspaper Editors (GoNE) has strongly condemned the reported visit by officers of the Sierra Leone Police to the offices of Voice of Salone Newspaper, describing the action as a matter of serious concern for press freedom and democratic governance.
According to a press statement issued by the Guild, police officers reportedly entered the newspaper’s office on Monday, 1st June 2026, and requested that the Editor, David Johnson, accompany them to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in relation to a publication titled: “Mystery Surrounds Alleged Cocaine Seizure at Portee Wharf.”
The CID, which falls under the Criminal Investigation Department of the Sierra Leone Police, was also referenced in the Guild’s statement as part of the context surrounding the incident.
While acknowledging the constitutional mandate of the police to investigate criminal allegations, the Guild stressed that such authority must be exercised strictly within the law and in a manner that respects constitutional protections for freedom of expression and press freedom.
GoNE argued that the publication of matters of public interest, including allegations of wrongdoing, is a legitimate function of the media and forms part of its watchdog role in society. It further emphasized that journalists are not state investigators and should not be treated as repositories of evidence for law enforcement agencies.
The Guild questioned the legal and factual basis for the police action, particularly the decision to visit a newspaper office and request the editor’s attendance at CID in connection with a published story.
The statement warned that such actions, if left unaddressed, could create a chilling effect on investigative journalism in Sierra Leone, potentially discouraging journalists from reporting on issues of public concern due to fear of harassment or reprisals.
“The responsibility for investigating alleged criminal activity rests exclusively with the appropriate state institutions,” the Guild stressed, adding that the media’s role is to gather and disseminate information in the public interest.
The Guild has therefore called on the leadership of the Sierra Leone Police to provide a clear explanation regarding the circumstances of the incident and to reassure the public that journalists’ constitutional rights will be respected at all times.
It further reminded public authorities that Sierra Leone’s democratic standing is strengthened by a free, independent, and robust press capable of holding institutions accountable.
The Guild of Newspaper Editors expressed solidarity with Editor David Johnson, as well as the management and staff of Voice of Salone Newspaper, reaffirming its commitment to defending press freedom, editorial independence, and the rule of law.
“The freedom of the press is not a privilege granted by the State; it is a constitutional right guaranteed to every citizen and an indispensable pillar of democratic governance,” the Guild emphasized.
