Former first minister Nicola Sturgeon has called her arrest earlier today “a shock and deeply distressing” and said she is “innocent of any wrongdoing” in a statement.
Through screenshots of an Apple Notes document, Sturgeon said: “To find myself in the situation I did today when I am certain I have committed no offense is both a shock and deeply distressing.
“I know that this ongoing investigation is difficult for people, and I am grateful that so many continue to show faith in me and appreciate that I would never do anything to harm either the SNP or the country.
“Innocence is not just a presumption I am entitled to in law. I know beyond doubt that I am in fact innocent of any wrongdoing.”
Scotland’s longest-serving first minister also thanked her supporters, and announced her intention to return to Holyrood “soon”.
STATEMENT pic.twitter.com/MlpWJGzwi0
— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) June 11, 2023
Her arrest this morning came as part of a wide-ranging investigation into the SNPs finances.
In a public statement, Police Scotland said: “A 52-year-old woman who was arrested earlier today, Sunday 11 June 2023, as a suspect in connection with the ongoing investigation into the funding and finances of the Scottish National Party, has been released without charge pending further investigation.
“The woman was questioned by Police Scotland detectives after she was arrested at 10:09am. She was released from custody at 5:24pm.
“A report will be sent to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service.
“The matter is active for the purposes of the Contempt of Court Act 1981 and the public are therefore advised to exercise caution if discussing it on social media.
“As the investigation is ongoing, we are unable to comment further.”
Update on investigation into Scottish National Party funding and finances.
— Police Scotland (@PoliceScotland) June 11, 2023
More: https://t.co/TJ1GBxIPEW pic.twitter.com/aFzjtTFddb
The investigation has been ongoing since 2021 and relates to party concerns over the use of £600,000 raised in 2017 for independence campaigning.
In April both former SNP executive Peter Murrell and former party treasurer Colin Beattie MSP were arrested and later released without charge.
Reaction to the arrest has been swift, with Angus MacNeil, the SNP MP for Na h-Eileanan an lar and Craig Hoy MSP, Chairman of the Scottish Conservatives both calling for Nicola Sturgeon to be suspended.
Labour MP Ian Murray, the Shadow Secretary of State for Scotland, described the arrest as “deeply concerning”.
Murray continued to say: “For too long, a culture of secrecy and cover-up has been allowed to fester at the heart of the SNP.”
“First Minister’s Covid update to the Scottish Parliament” by Scottish Government is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
