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Scotland Police Arrest Ex-First Minister Alex Salmond Over Sexual Harassment

The news comes just weeks after Alex Salmond won a legal battle against the Scottish government over alleged sexual harassment.
Sputnik

Ex-Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond has vowed to defend himself in court, denied all allegations of criminality.

"The only thing I can say is I refute absolutely these allegations of criminality", Salmond said outside of a court, as aired on BBC broadcaster.

Earlier, Scottish police confirmed that former first minister of Scotland, Alex Salmond, had been arrested and charged in a sexual harassment probe.

The news comes less than a month after the former first minister won a crucial legal battle against the devolved government in Scotland. On 8 January, the Court of Session in the Scottish capital of Edinburgh ruled that Scottish government ministers should pay the costs incurred.

According to the Scottish government, two complaints were officially made against Salmond, but the identities of the claimants have remained confidential. At least one of the alleged harassment incidents took place as early as in December 2013, media outlets reported

READ MORE: Alex Salmond Wins the First Skirmish in the Political Witch-Hunt Against Him

Alex Salmond, who has strongly denied any sexual harassment, announced his resignation from the Scottish National Party in August in order to preserve the unity of the party and blunt opposition criticism. Salmond, 64, led the Scottish National Party (SNP) from 2004 – 2014 and served as the first minister of Scotland from 2007 – 2014.

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