Sturgeon defends 'no comment' police interview after SNP funds probe arrest
Summary
Nicola Sturgeon, former First Minister of Scotland, was arrested and questioned by police in June 2023 as part of an investigation into the Scottish National Party’s finances linked to her husband’s embezzlement. Sturgeon chose to answer "no comment" during the police interview on her lawyer's advice but later provided detailed written answers; she denies any knowledge of the misuse of party funds.Key Facts
- Nicola Sturgeon was arrested on 11 June 2023 in connection with a police probe called Operation Branchform about SNP finances.
- Her husband, Peter Murrell, former SNP chief executive, admitted to stealing over £400,000 of party money over 12 years.
- Murrell spent the stolen money on items like motorhomes, cars, jewelry, and gifts, some given to Sturgeon.
- Sturgeon remained silent ("no comment") during the police interview, following legal advice from her lawyer.
- She later gave a detailed written reply to Police Scotland about the investigation.
- Sturgeon denies knowing about or suspecting the misuse of party funds for personal purchases.
- Police searched Sturgeon and Murrell’s home as part of the investigation.
- Sturgeon was released without charge after her police questioning and was told last year that she was no longer under investigation.
- Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay criticized Sturgeon’s silence during the interview, linking it to tactics used by criminals.
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