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Nicola Sturgeon was arrested after a police investigation into Scottish National Party funding.
Nicola Sturgeon has been arrested in connection with an investigation of financial irregularities in the Scottish National Party. In the meantime, she was released from custody.
Peter Murrell – Sturgeon’s husband and former SNP Chief Executive – was arrested by the SNP in April, as part the ongoing investigation. The arrest sent shockwaves across Scotland’s political scene.
Police Scotland announced that 52-year old woman was arrested in connection with the investigation being conducted into the finances and funding of the Scottish National Party.
Sturgeon’s spokesperson stated that Sturgeon is cooperating with Police Scotland and she attended the interview by prior arrangement.
Sturgeon wrote in a Twitter post that “to find myself today in such a situation – even though I know I have done nothing wrong – is at once shocking and distressing.” In a tweet, Sturgeon said: “To be in this situation today when I’m certain that I haven’t done anything wrong is shocking and deeply disturbing.”
Due to the nature of this investigation, I am unable to provide any further details. I do not doubt my innocence.
Police Scotland stated that the woman was taken into custody at 10am (0909 GMT) but released uncharged at 5pm, pending an investigation. The police said that the investigation was still ongoing and they couldn’t comment on it further.
Transparency and funding
Murrell is accused of stealing 600,000 British pound ($754,000), donated by the SNP.
In addition, he did not declare to SNP a personal debt of more than 100 000 British pounds (125 700 dollars). Later, he was released from custody without being charged pending further inquiry.
Colin Beattie, who was the treasurer of the party, was arrested also in April.
Sturgeon, who announced her retirement in early March, made her last public appearance before the Scottish Parliament.
“I am human”
Sturgeon’s arrest, for the SNP which is campaigning to end Scotland’s three century political union with England and Sturgeon, his arrest, is deeply embarrassing.
SNP continues to cooperate fully in this investigation. A spokesperson for the SNP said that it was not appropriate to comment publicly on any issue while the investigation continues.
At the time Murrell’s detention, police sealed the home of Murrell and his wife in Glasgow with blue-and-white tape.
Scotland’s most-serving leader announced in February that she would be resigning, claiming that her divisiveness had made it impossible for her to lead Scotland towards independence.
Sturgeon said that her high-pressure job required “every bit of energy” and she did not have it.
She stated, “I am a human and I’m a politician.”
