Freetown, Sierra Leone – The offices of The Watch Newspaper, one of Sierra Leone’s leading investigative media institutions, were attacked by unknown individuals following a hard-hitting publication on corruption-related issues. The incident occurred on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, just hours after the paper’s latest edition was released, featuring reports exposing alleged corruption within the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.
According to The Watch Newspaper’s Advert Manager, Mr. Harold Tholley, two men claiming to be from the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) visited the newsroom earlier that morning, requesting additional information on the corruption exposé. He noted that the individuals commended the newspaper’s role in exposing corruption and even left their contact details, asking the Managing Editor to reach out to them.
However, later that evening, three unidentified men stormed the office, demanding to see the Managing Editor or Editor. When asked about their purpose, they refused to provide any explanation but insisted on meeting the newsroom’s leadership. Mr. Tholley informed them that the Managing Editor was not present, but the intruders insisted on searching the office, forcibly pushing their way inside.
“They scattered documents, rummaging through files, seemingly searching for something specific,” Mr. Tholley recounted. “But after failing to find what they were looking for, they left in a hurry.”
Following the attack, Mr. Tholley attempted to reach the contact number left by the supposed ACC representatives but was unable to get through.
The Managing Editor, who is currently out of town, has reported the incident to the President of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), Ahmed Sahid Nasralla. Nasralla strongly condemned the attack and urged The Watch Newspaper to formally report the matter to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID).
This is not the first time The Watch Newspaper and its Managing Editor have faced threats and intimidation. The publication has consistently reported on corruption, human rights violations, and, most recently, the government’s alleged ties to international drug trafficking. The latest attack raises serious concerns about press freedom and journalist safety in Sierra Leone.
Authorities have yet to respond to the incident, but media watchdogs and press freedom advocates are calling for a thorough investigation into the attack on The Watch Newspaper.
