By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The Guild of Newspaper Editors – Sierra Leone (GoNE-SL) has strongly condemned a police raid on the offices of The Watch Newspaper, carried out on Tuesday, 18th November 2025, by officers of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). The Guild described the incident as an alarming act of intimidation and a direct threat to press freedom in the country.

According to staff who witnessed the operation, CID officers stormed the premises claiming they were searching for the Managing Editor of The Gleaner Newspaper. Workers immediately clarified that The Gleaner does not operate from that address. Despite that clarification, the officers allegedly insisted that the Secretary of The Watch accompany them to CID headquarters for further questioning.

The Guild denounced the raid as harassment, stressing that police invasions of media institutions have no place in a democratic society. Guild Chairman, Thomas Dixon, said the action amounted to intimidation aimed at punishing journalists for publishing legitimate stories. “Media houses should not be subjected to police raids for publishing a story. If the Police want intelligence, they can use the story as a lead. What they did on that day amounts to harassment and intimidation. There are many people online with pictures and videos of Jos Leijdekkers who could be of immense help to them,” he noted.

GoNE-SL emphasized that journalists are under no obligation to provide intelligence to law enforcement and that newsrooms are not extensions of the Police. The Guild said the incident undermines the ability of reporters to work freely and without fear.

The Guild called on the Sierra Leone Police to explain the circumstances that led to the raid, ensure accountability and desist from any further interference with the operations of media institutions.

Reaffirming its mission, the Guild stated that it remains committed to defending the rights, safety and independence of journalists and editors across Sierra Leone.

The statement was signed by the Secretary-General of GoNE-SL, Ishmail Saidu Kanu, Esq. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/guild-of-editors-condemns-cid-raid-on-the-watch-newspaper/