Sturgeon speaks out on ‘deeply distressing’ arrest in new personal message
Former Scottish first minister Nicola Sturgeon has said that her arrest today was “both a shock and deeply distressing” and added that “I know beyond doubt that I am in fact innocent of any wrongdoing”.
The 52-year-old has been released without charge pending further investigation after she was arrested as part of a probe into the SNP’s finances.
The former SNP leader was arrested on Sunday “by arrangement” with Police Scotland and spent almost seven hours in custody. The force said she was arrested at 10.09am and was released from custody at 5.24pm.
A report will be sent to the procurator fiscal. Ms Sturgeon was the third SNP figure arrested as part of the ongoing investigation into the SNP’s finances.
In a statement released on Ms Sturgeon’s Twitter account she said: “To find myself in the situation I did today when I am certain I have committed no offence is both a shock and deeply distressing”.
She continued: “I know that this ongoing investigation is difficult for people, and I am grateful that so many continue to show faith in me and appreciate that I would never do anything to harm either the SNP or the country.
“Obviously, given the nature of this process, I cannot go into detail. 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 do in law. I know beyond doubt that I am in fact innocent of any wrongdoing.”
Ms Sturgeon’s statement continued: “To the many people who have sent messages of support over these past difficult weeks – including since today’s news broke – thank you for your kindness.
“Thank you also to my close circle of family and friends who are giving me much-needed strength at this time.
“Finally, while I will take a day or two to process this latest development, I intend to be back in Parliament soon where I will continue to represent my Glasgow Southside constituents to the very best of my ability.”
There was no police presence at Ms Sturgeon’s home in Uddingston on Sunday but a police vehicle occasionally drove past the house. Members of Scotland’s media were gathered outside the detached property, which appeared to be empty, and as people drove past their passengers filmed the home, which has found itself at the centre of a political storm.
Police opened the probe in July 2021, when complaints into party donations were raised. Ms Sturgeon’s husband Peter Murrell, the former SNP chief executive, was arrested as part of the investigation in April.
Former SNP treasurer Colin Beattie was arrested on April 19. Police also seized a £100,000 motorhome as part of the probe.
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