Arabic version: سترجون تدافع عن صمتها خلال مقابلة الشرطة في قضية أموال الحزب الوطني الاسكتلندي
Nicola Sturgeon has defended her decision to answer “no comment” during a police interview following her arrest in connection with a probe into Scottish National Party (SNP) finances. According to BBC News, Sturgeon, the former first minister of Scotland, was questioned by detectives as part of an investigation that led to the conviction of her husband, Peter Murrell, for embezzlement.
Sturgeon was arrested on 11 June 2023 during Operation Branchform and reportedly sat in silence for hours at Falkirk police station. Her solicitor, Aamer Anwar, stated that the decision to answer “no comment” was based on standard legal advice and expressed that it did not obstruct the investigation. He emphasized that Sturgeon later provided a “detailed written response” to Police Scotland’s inquiries.
Peter Murrell, the former chief executive of the SNP, admitted to embezzling more than £400,000 from the party over a 12-year period. His spending included a motorhome, cars, and luxury items, some of which were gifted to Sturgeon. Anwar reiterated that Sturgeon had no knowledge or suspicion whatsoever that personal items had been purchased using SNP funds and that the responsibility for financial oversight rested with the party treasurer, not the first minister.
Criticism of Sturgeon’s interview approach came from Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay, who likened her silence to tactics used by organized crime. Findlay stated that Sturgeon’s refusal to answer questions contradicted her claims of full cooperation with police. Anwar countered these claims, expressing concern over what he described as “armchair detectives” distorting facts and attempting to implicate Sturgeon in crimes she did not commit.
Both Sturgeon and former SNP treasurer Colin Beattie were informed in March 2025 that they were no longer under investigation. Murrell, however, appeared in court that same month charged with embezzlement and pleaded guilty during a court hearing in Edinburgh on Monday. He was remanded in custody and will be sentenced next month.
