Former Scottish First Minister arrested

Former Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has been arrested in an investigation into financial irregularities, according to British police and media.

"A 52-year-old woman was arrested today on suspicion of involvement in the ongoing investigation into the funding and finances of the Scottish National Party (SNP)," police said in a statement on June 11. British media later confirmed the woman's identity as former First Minister Sturgeon.

Nicola Sturgeon speaks at a press conference in Edinburgh, Scotland, on February 15. Photo: AFP

Sturgeon announced her resignation as First Minister and leader of the SNP in February. She was the third person arrested as part of Operation Branchform, a Scottish police investigation into allegations that the party misused more than £600,000 ($750,000) donated by independence campaigners in 2017.

According to police, investigators are questioning Ms. Sturgeon "as a suspect." A spokesperson for the former Premier Sturgeon said she had met with police as arranged, knowing that she would be arrested and questioned.

"Ms. Nicola has consistently stated her willingness to cooperate with the investigation if requested and will continue to do so," the spokesperson said.

In April, Sturgeon's husband, Peter Murrell, the former CEO of the SNP, and the party's then-treasurer were both arrested but later released pending further investigation.

Nicola Sturgeon has been First Minister of Scotland since November 2014, after taking over the position from her predecessor Alex Salmond. She held the office for eight years, becoming the first woman to hold the position and the longest-serving.

At the time of her resignation, Sturgeon asserted that the decision was unrelated to "the recent period of pressure," in which she faced a series of controversies over gender reform, transgender prisoners, and plans for a referendum on independence from the UK.

Vu Hoang (According to Guardian, AFP, Reuters )

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