Nicola Sturgeon's lawyer speaks out amid fury over ex-SNP leader's 'no comment' police interview
Nicola Sturgeon’s solicitor has defended her decision to repeatedly answer "no comment" during police questioning, insisting the approach did not obstruct investigators.
Aamer Anwar spoke out after it emerged the former SNP leader remained silent throughout an interview at Falkirk police station in June 2023 as part of Operation Branchform.
The intervention comes days after her estranged husband Peter Murrell admitted embezzling more than £400,000 from the SNP.
Mr Anwar said the advice for Ms Sturgeon to answer "no comment" came from a former senior crown counsel and reflected standard legal guidance.
He rejected suggestions the strategy had hindered the investigation.
Mr Murrell pleaded guilty on Monday to misappropriating party funds over a 12-year period.
The money was used to purchase items including a motorhome, vehicles, jewellery and luxury goods, with some gifts allegedly given to Ms Sturgeon.
The former First Minister has maintained she had no knowledge or suspicion that SNP funds were being used for personal spending.
Mr Anwar said responsibility for signing off party accounts rested with the treasurer rather than Ms Sturgeon.
He also dismissed claims she would necessarily have known about purchases allegedly made by her husband during her time leading Scotland.
Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay criticised Ms Sturgeon’s conduct, comparing her silence to tactics used by gangsters.
"Nicola Sturgeon spent hours saying 'no comment' when questioned by police (that's what organised criminals do)," Mr Findlay wrote on social media.
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Speaking to BBC Radio Scotland Breakfast, he added: "This is someone who told the public at the time she co-operated fully with police. I think that is at odds with that."
The comments referred to Ms Sturgeon’s previous public pledge to cooperate with police following Mr Murrell’s arrest in April 2023.
Mr Anwar branded the remarks "deeply worrying", arguing that advising clients to answer "no comment" is routine practice in Scottish criminal investigations.
He said Ms Sturgeon later insisted on submitting a detailed written statement responding to police questions.
Mr Anwar also criticised what he described as "armchair detectives" attempting to imply criminality where no charges had been brought.
"Had there been any evidence of criminality against Ms Sturgeon, then there can be no doubt that she would have been charged, prosecuted and presently be behind bars," Mr Anwar said.
Both Ms Sturgeon and former SNP treasurer Colin Beattie were informed in March 2025 that they were no longer under investigation.
Mr Murrell remains in custody ahead of sentencing next month.
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