It’s a thunderclap in Scotland: former Prime Minister Nicola Sturgeon spent several hours in police custody this Sunday, June 11 as part of an investigation into the finances of the Scottish independence party SNP, in power in Edinburgh. Nicola Sturgeon, who led Scotland for eight years, resigned to everyone’s surprise last February, citing his weariness and a lack of motivation… but since his sensational departure from power, legal troubles have accumulated for his party and his entourage.
Without ever naming her, the Scottish police announce, in a pithy way, the arrest of the one who led Scotland for eight years, and embodied the fight for Scottish independence. Nicola Sturgeon was questioned for several hours before being released, while searches took place in several properties, including his home.
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At the heart of the investigation, the use of 600,000 pounds sterling, a little less than 700,000 euros, collected by the SNP, the Scottish National Party, to finance a new referendum. According to British police, the money was not used for the referendum campaign, which ultimately did not take place, but diverted to other expenses.
The investigation has already led to the arrest of peter murrell, the husband of Nicola Sturgeon, finally released without prosecution. The legal setbacks of the SNP and of Nicola Sturgeon’s entourage have fueled speculation about the real reasons for his surprise resignation last February.
At the time, the Scottish Prime Minister said she lacked the energy to stay in power. His arrest should further weaken his party, whose independence project has stalled, despite the hopes raised by Brexit and the growing unpopularity of successive Conservative governments in London.
” Finding myself in this situation, when I am certain that I have not committed any offence, is both a shock and a very difficult moment to live through. “, she reacted on Twitter. ” I know I’m innocent. »
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