The husband of former Scottish leader Nicola Sturgeon has been charged with embezzlement in connection with a probe into the finances of Scotland’s pro-independence governing party. The 59-year-old man was arrested and taken into custody before being released after being charged, according to Scottish police.
The suspect, who was not named by the police, matches the details of Peter Murrell, the party’s former chief executive who was arrested over a year ago. The investigation revolves around the alleged misappropriation of 600,000 pounds ($750,000) designated for a Scottish independence campaign.
Murrell, Sturgeon, and Colin Beattie, the Scottish National Party's former treasurer, were all arrested and questioned last year in connection with the probe but were released without being charged with a crime. Murrell resigned from his position on March 18 after more than 20 years in the role.
Sturgeon's resignation in February 2023 came shortly before Murrell's initial arrest, following which the police conducted a search of the couple's Glasgow home over two days. Sturgeon, who was released from custody in June, maintained her innocence throughout the ordeal, stating that she had done nothing wrong.
In a statement on social media, Sturgeon emphasized her innocence, saying, “Innocence is not just a presumption I am entitled to in law. I know beyond doubt that I am in fact innocent of any wrongdoing.” She also expressed her belief that it was the right time for her to step down as party leader and first minister of Scotland’s semi-autonomous government.
