Former Scottish First Minister Sturgeon arrested

Police Scotland have announced that a 52-year-old woman has been arrested as part of an investigation into SNP funding, without specifying Sturgeon’s name.

Sturgeon’s spokesman confirmed to national media that the former prime minister is being questioned by police.

Noting that Sturgeon was detained as part of the so-called Operation Branchform investigation, the spokesperson said: “Nicola has repeatedly said that he will assist the investigation if necessary.” saying.

The Scottish police affirmed that the investigation continues and that the report that will be produced will be sent to the relevant institutions of the Ministry of Justice.

HIS WIFE WAS DETAINED

The SNP, which wanted to hold a second independence referendum after Britain’s departure from the European Union, had raised 666,954 thousand pounds (about 19.5 million Turkish lira) in donations to be used for referendum work.

Sturgeon’s husband, Peter Murrell, was also arrested in April as part of the investigation launched in 2021, accusing the party of using this amount for different needs.

Murrell, who was the party’s chief executive for 24 years, was released after 12 hours of questioning, but investigations continued for days at Sturgeon’s home and at SNP headquarters.

Party Financial Affairs Officer Colin Beattie was also detained and announced his decision to step down after his release.

97K LEFT FROM £666,000

Examining the party accounts within the scope of the investigation, the police determined that approximately 97 thousand pounds (approximately 3 million lire) of the donation amount remained, while the party’s total assets in the banks were 272 thousand pounds ( approximately 8 million lira) .

Following the arrests nearly 20 days after Sturgeon’s resignation, Hamza Yusuf, the party’s new leader and new Scottish regional first minister, said: “It is a difficult day for the SNP. The SNP will continue to cooperate with the investigation.” he had made the statement.

Sturgeon, who made a statement at the start of the investigation, said he was not concerned about the investigation, saying every penny was raised to be used for independence campaigns. (AA)