THE written statement Nicola Sturgeon gave to police investigating the SNP’s finances will not be released, her lawyer has said.
Aamer Anwar, who is representing the former first minister, said that neither her written statement nor the police interview she took part in would be released.
After her arrest in 2023, Sturgeon exercised her right to give a “no comment” police interview, later sending a written statement to officers.
The interview was part of Operation Branchform, which ultimately led to Sturgeon’s former husband Peter Murrell being convicted of embezzling more than £400,000 from the SNP during his time as chief executive.
Last month, Murrell was sentenced to five years and three months in prison.
Sturgeon has said she is innocent of any wrongdoing and that she was “deceived, misled and betrayed” by Murrell.
In a statement, Anwar said: “Ms Sturgeon’s detailed statement produced for Police Scotland was to assist them with their inquiries; not for those who think they could now do a better job than the robust ‘gold-plated’ financial crime investigation.
“Ms Sturgeon is innocent, as evidenced by the fact that she was not charged, prosecuted nor convicted of any crime.
“Having been exonerated through the proper process, there is no onus on her to now prove her innocence in the court of media opinion.
“Neither Ms Sturgeon’s written statement or her police interview will be released.”
Following Murrell's sentencing, a statement released on behalf of Sturgeon by Anwar said that the former first minister "remains angry, hurt and distressed about the devastating impact of Mr Murrell's actions on her, his family, friends and the SNP".
The statement added: “Ms Sturgeon was utterly deceived and let down by her husband whom she had trusted. Why he acted as he did will always be beyond her comprehension. She is utterly appalled that he did so and will never understand why."
