former Prime Minister Nicola Sturgeon arrested in connection with an investigation into her party

Former Scottish independence leader Nicola Sturgeon, who resigned as Prime Minister in February, was arrested on Sunday June 11. This arrest takes place as part of an investigation into the financing of his political party, the SNP, announced British media. “A 52-year-old woman was arrested today, Sunday June 11, 2023, as a suspect in connection with the ongoing investigation into the funding and finances of the Scottish National Party”, Police Scotland said. This is according to the British media, including the BBC (in English)by Nicola Sturgeon.

Searches were carried out at several properties, including the home of Nicola Sturgeon and her husband Peter Murrell, where a police tent was erected in the garden, as well as the SNP headquarters in Edinburgh, according to the PA news agency.

“Finding myself in the situation I was in today, although I am convinced that I have not committed any crime, is both shocking and very distressing”wrote Nicola Sturgeon in a statement Nicola Sturgeon after seven hours in police custody in Glasgow (United Kingdom).

The use of donations in question

At the beginning of April, Peter Murrell, who until mid-March was director general of the SNP, was arrested as part of this investigation, before being released the same evening without prosecution. A few days later, the treasurer of the SNP, Colin Beattie, was arrested. He was also released without charges being brought against him.

The investigations then focused in particular on the use of donations of 600,000 pounds sterling (683,000 euros) collected in recent years with a view to organizing a new independence referendum, a project at an impasse in the face of rejection from London. The media also raised questions about a loan he allegedly paid to the party.