Former Scottish Prime Minister Nicola Sturgeon declares her “innocence” after being taken into police custody

“A 52-year-old woman has been arrested today, Sunday 11th June 2023, as a suspect in connection with the ongoing investigation into the SNP’s funding and financing.”Police Scotland said.

This is Nicola Sturgeon, who served as First Minister of Scotland until his resignation last February.

Police said she was questioned in police custody for about seven hours and released pending further developments.

“To find myself in the position I am in today, though I am satisfied that I have committed no crime, is both appalling and deeply disturbing.she said in a press release after her detention.

“I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that I am innocent of any wrongdoing.”checked.

Searches have been carried out at several properties, including the home of Nicola Sturgeon and her husband Peter Morell, where a police tent has been set up in the garden, and the SNP’s headquarters in Edinburgh, according to the PA news agency.

At the beginning of April, Peter Morrell, who until mid-March was director general of the SNP, was arrested as part of this investigation, before being released the same night without trial.

A few days later, the SNP’s treasurer, Colin Beatty, was arrested. He was also released without charge.

The investigations then focused in particular on the use of donations worth £600,000 (683,000 euros) collected in recent years with the aim of organizing a new independence referendum, a project deadlocked in the face of rejection from London.

The media also raised questions about a loan he allegedly made to the party.