Why can’t we talk about the SNP finance scandal?

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Peter Murrell, Nicola Sturgeon’s husband and former chief executive of the SNP, was re-arrested today in connection to the scandal over his party’s finances. This is a huge news story, but there won’t be any heated TV debates or stinging op-eds in the papers. The fact that Murrell has been arrested is just about all you will hear. This is thanks to Scotland’s draconian contempt-of-court laws, which kick in as soon as a suspect is arrested. Any remarks about the arrest that could be deemed ‘commentary or analysis of evidence, witnesses or accused’ – published on any platform – can from now on be criminalised with up to two years in prison. This threat of severe punishment, for mere commentary and analysis, means most of us will not dare to discuss this matter of huge national importance. An icy chill has been cast over a vital public debate. This state-enforced silence is an outrage to democracy.