Former Scottish leader Alex Salmond charged with attempted rape

Former First Minister of Scotland, Alex Salmond, has been charged with two counts of attempted rape and multiple sexual assaults though he insists to be innocent.

He appeared in court Thursday and prosecutors listed fourteen charges against him – two counts of attempted rape, two counts of indecent assault, one count of breaching peace and nine counts of sexual assault.

Following a brief hearing the 64-year-old addressed to media people outside Edinburgh Sheriff Court saying he has faith in the judicial system and would defend himself.

The Crown Office said the ex-leader of the Scottish National Party was released on bail and did not enter a plea.

Internal inquiry in the matter was initiated in 2018 by the Scottish government and lately Salmond won a procedural case against the government.

After being defeated in referendum on Scottish independence in November 2014 Salmond stood down as first minister. First Minister Nicola Sturgon replaced him.

Even though not being a parliamentarian after his defeat he remained a prominent figure in the country’s politics. On the Russian state broadcaster RT television channel he worked as a commentator and hosting of The Alex Salmond Show.

Salmond was a combative politician and had led the government for seven years until was defeated in 2014 when people voted to remain part of United Kingdom. His drive towards growing support for Scottish independence didn’t work.