Former Scottish leader Alex Salmond has criticised the government of his successor and one-time friend for undermining democratic principles and the rule of law.
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The swipe is the latest in a political tug of war that threatens to tear apart Scotland's independence movement.
Salmond's comments came in testimony before parliamentary inquiry into the government's handling of sexual harassment allegations against him on Friday.
Scotland's highest civil court ruled in 2019 the government had acted unlawfully and awarded Salmond more than 500,000 pounds ($A900,000) in legal expenses.
Salmond criticised his successor, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, for allowing the distinctions between her government, the Scottish National Party and the civil service to become blurred, amid suggestions she intentionally sought to destroy his reputation.
The government and civil service have systematically tried to avoid public scrutiny by refusing to turn over evidence requested by parliament, he said.
"The move to independence, which I have sought all my political life and continue to seek, must be accompanied by institutions whose leadership is strong and robust and capable of protecting each and every citizen from arbitrary authority," Salmond told MPs.
"Such a principle is a central component of the rule of law."
The long-awaited testimony was postponed the national prosecutors' office expressed concerns about Salmond's written evidence.
The documents were removed from the parliament's website then republished with sections redacted.
In 2019, Salmond was charged with sexual assault and attempted rape after allegations by nine women who had worked with him or for the party.
Salmond called the charges "deliberate fabrications for political purpose" and was acquitted after a 2020 trial.
Sturgeon is scheduled to testify next week.
The two have traded accusations for months over who knew what and when about the allegations.
Salmond accuses Sturgeon and others of a "malicious and concerted effort" to sideline him and damage his reputation.
He also says Sturgeon lied about her meetings with him and violated the ministerial code of conduct. If that were found to be true, she could be forced to resign.
Sturgeon earlier this week accused her predecessor of making "wild claims" about conspiracy.
"It is time for insinuation and assertion to be replaced with actual evidence," she said.
"There is no evidence, because there was no conspiracy."
The case has exposed a bitter rift between two former allies who have dominated Scottish politics for a generation.
Australian Associated Press
