In other circumstances, the verdict would have been the Scottish political event of the year
, the verdict would have been the Scottish political event of the year. On March 23rd Alex Salmond, Scotland’s former first minister, was found not guilty of 12 charges of sexual assault. The jury found a thirteenth charge to be not proven.
Mr Salmond is a free man. But it is clear that he does not intend to go quietly. He greeted his acquittal with the claim that during the trial his legal team had been unable to produce “certain evidence” but it would now “see the light of day”. During the trial he claimed that the allegations against him—which ranged from indecent assault to attempted rape—had been “deliberate fabrications for political purposes”.
The verdict is an embarrassment for the Crown Office, Scotland’s criminal-prosecution service, and for the Scottish police. Nine women gave evidence and were extensively cross-examined. But the real pressure is on Nicola Sturgeon, Mr Salmond’s successor—both as first minister of Scotland and as leader of the Scottish National Party .
Compared with spread of covid-19, Mr Salmond’s claims of a conspiracy against him may seem trivial. But when the virus recedes, the former first minister and his supporters will be waiting for the current first minister and her husband. And they will have revenge in their hearts.This article appeared in the Britain section of the print edition under the headline "Leaping Salmond"
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