Ex-Scottish leader Nicola Sturgeon reportedly arrested
Global News
Nicola Sturgeon unexpectedly resigned in February after eight years as Scottish National Party leader and first minister of Scotland's semi-autonomous government.
Former Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, who dominated politics in Scotland for years, was reportedly arrested Sunday by police investigating the finances of the governing, pro-independence Scottish National Party.
Police Scotland said a 52-year-old woman was detained “as a suspect in connection with the ongoing investigation into the funding and finances of the Scottish National Party.”
“The woman is in custody and is being questioned by Police Scotland detectives,” the force said.
U.K. police do not name suspects until they are charged. The BBC and other media outlets identified the arrested woman as Sturgeon. The party did not immediately comment.
According to the BBC, a spokesperson for the former first minister said: “Nicola Sturgeon has today, Sunday 11 June, by arrangement with Police Scotland, attended an interview where she was to be arrested and questioned in relation to Operation Branchform.”
Scottish police have been investigating how 600,000 pounds ($745,000) designated for a Scottish independence campaign was spent.
Party treasurer Colin Beattie and former chief executive Peter Murrell were arrested previously and questioned as part of the investigation. Neither has been charged.
Murrell is Sturgeon’s husband, and police searched the couple’s home in Glasgow after his arrest in April.
