A SOCIALIST MSP has called on Holyrood ministers to provide urgent clarity on Police Scotland’s overseas training work after it emerged support has been given to administrations linked to human rights abuses.

Labour’s Mercedes Villalba has said that the Scottish government must provide full details of the activities offered by the International Development and Innovation Unit. 

Concerns have been raised by campaign groups about support given to Sri Lankan police.

The call comes amid recent reports of human rights violations such as the use of torture and extrajudicial killings by the country’s police force. 

In addition, there have also been media reports about the provision of training to forces in Colombia, Qatar, Israel and Saudi Arabia.

The MSP believes that ministers have questions to answer on whether this work is compatible with Scotland’s commitment to promote human rights internationally. 

Ms Villalba said: “I simply cannot see how the Scottish government can credibly promote human rights while ignoring the fact that Police Scotland are actively training police forces in countries which continue to commit serious human rights violations.”

A Scottish government spokesman told the Star that training provided by Police Scotland was underpinned by human rights but was funded via Westminster.