Nicola Sturgeon Says She Is ‘Innocent Of Any Wrongdoing’ Following Arrest

Nicola Sturgeon has insisted she is “harmless of any wrongdoing” following her arrest as a part of a police probe into the SNP’s funds.

The previous first minister was quizzed by detectives for seven hours earlier than being launched with out cost.

Police Scotland have launched an investigation into the whereabouts of £660,000 donated to the SNP for a second independence referendum marketing campaign

Sturgeon’s husband, former SNP chief government Peter Murrell, and the occasion’s former treasurer, Colin Beattie, have beforehand been arrested as a part of the probe, often called Operation Branchform.

Following her launch this night, Sturgeon issued a press release on Twitter by which she mentioned it was “past doubt” that she was harmless.

She mentioned: “To search out myself within the state of affairs I did immediately when I’m sure I’ve dedicated no offence is each a shock and deeply distressing.

“I do know that this ongoing investigation is troublesome for folks, and I’m grateful that so many proceed to indicate religion in me and respect that I’d by no means do something to hurt both the SNP or the nation.”

Ms Sturgeon went on: “Clearly, given the character of this course of, I can’t go into element.

“Nonetheless, I do want to say this, and to take action within the strongest attainable phrases. Innocence isn’t just a presumption I’m entitled to in regulation. I do know past doubt that I’m in truth harmless of any wrongdoing.”

Sturgeon thanked “the many individuals who’ve despatched messages of assist over these previous troublesome weeks – together with since immediately’s information broke”.

She added: “Thanks additionally to my shut circle of household and buddies who’re giving me much-needed power at the moment.”

Police Scotland are investigating claims that the donations from activists to assist the marketing campaign for a second independence referendum had been used for different functions.

The inquiry was launched following allegations that the cash, which was meant to be in a ring-fenced fund, had been misappropriated.

An SNP spokesperson mentioned: “These points are topic to a dwell police investigation.

“The SNP have been co-operating totally with this investigation and can proceed to take action, nevertheless it’s not applicable to publicly handle any points whereas that investigation is ongoing.”