Current:Home > NewsFormer Scottish leader Nicola Sturgeon released after arrest amid financial probe-InfoLens
Former Scottish leader Nicola Sturgeon released after arrest amid financial probe
View Date:2024-12-23 15:45:07
Former Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, who dominated politics in Scotland for years, was arrested and questioned for several hours Sunday by police investigating the finances of the governing, pro-independence Scottish National Party.
Police Scotland said a 52-year-old woman was detained "as a suspect in connection with the ongoing investigation into the funding and finances of the Scottish National Party."
She was "released without charge pending further investigation" about six hours later, the force said. British police do not identify suspects until they are charged.
Sturgeon said after her release that her arrest had been "both a shock and deeply distressing."
"Obviously, given the nature of this process, I cannot go into detail," she said in a statement on social media. "However, I do wish to say this, and to do so in the strongest possible terms. 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."
A spokesman for Sturgeon confirmed to BBC News that she was cooperating with the investigation.
"Nicola Sturgeon has today, Sunday 11 June, by arrangement with Police Scotland, attended an interview where she was to be arrested and questioned in relation to Operation Branchform," the spokesman told BBC News. "Nicola has consistently said she would cooperate with the investigation if asked and continues to do so."
The party did not immediately comment.
Scottish police have been investigating how 600,000 pounds ($745,000) designated for a Scottish independence campaign was spent.
Party treasurer Colin Beattie and former chief executive Peter Murrell were arrested previously and questioned as part of the investigation. Neither has been charged.
Murrell is Sturgeon's husband, and police searched the couple's home in Glasgow after his arrest in April.
Sturgeon unexpectedly resigned in February after eight years as Scottish National Party leader and first minister of Scotland's semi-autonomous government. She said that it was the right time for her, her party and her country to make way for someone else.
But it was only within a month of her last day on March 28 that the two-year investigation into SNP's finances came into public view, according to the BBC.
Sturgeon left office amid divisions in the SNP and with her main goal — independence from the U.K. for the nation of 5.5 million people — unmet.
Scottish voters backed remaining in the U.K. in a 2014 referendum that was billed as a once-in-a-generation decision. The party wants a new vote, but the U.K. Supreme Court has ruled that Scotland can't hold one without London's consent. The central government has refused to authorize another referendum.
Sturgeon's departure unleashed a tussle for the future of the SNP amid recriminations over the party's declining membership and divisions about the best path towards independence.
- In:
- Scotland
veryGood! (18)
Related
- The Stanley x LoveShackFancy Collaboration That Sold Out in Minutes Is Back for Part 2—Don’t Miss Out!
- 'Big Little Lies' back with original author for Season 3, Reese Witherspoon says
- Best Amazon Prime Day 2024 Cleaning Deals – Save Up to 64% on Bissell, Dyson & More, Finds Starting at $4
- A Georgia county official dies after giving testimony about a hazardous chemical plant fire
- Early Black Friday Deals: 70% Off Apple, Dyson, Tarte, Barefoot Dreams, Le Creuset & More + Free Shipping
- Jana Kramer says she removed video of daughter because of online 'sickos'
- 'Out of harm's way': Dozens of Florida Waffle Houses close ahead of Hurricane Milton
- New York Jets next head coach odds: Lions OC Ben Johnson leading candidate
- Blake Snell free agent rumors: Best fits for two-time Cy Young winner
- Record-Breaking Heat Waves Add to Risks for Western Monarchs
Ranking
- Hurricane forecasters on alert: November storm could head for Florida
- Louisiana’s Cajun and Creole heritage will be showcased at 50th annual Festivals Acadiens et Creoles
- Washington state woman calls 911 after being hounded by up to 100 raccoons
- Piers Morgan apologizes to Jay-Z and Beyoncé after Jaguar Wright interview
- 'Treacherous conditions' in NYC: Firefighters battling record number of brush fires
- NFL Week 6 odds: Moneylines, point spreads, over/under
- MLB's quadrupleheader madness: What to watch in four crucial Division Series matchups
- Sandra Bullock Makes Rare Red Carpet Appearance With Keanu Reeves for Speed Reunion
Recommendation
-
Brush fire erupts in Brooklyn's iconic Prospect Park amid prolonged drought
-
Jennifer Lopez Fires Back at Haters Amid Ben Affleck Divorce
-
You'll Need to Calm Down After Seeing Taylor Swift Cradling Pregnant Brittany Mahomes' Baby Bump
-
Drake Bell reflects on the aftermath of 'Quiet on Set' revelations: 'An emotional rollercoaster'
-
Burger King is giving away a million Whoppers for $1: Here's how to get one
-
'Saturday Night' review: Throwback comedy recaptures fabulous buzz of the first 'SNL'
-
Mega Millions winning numbers for October 8 drawing: Jackpot rises to $129 million
-
As Milton approaches Florida, a search for the missing continues in Helene's path