Scottish Green MSP Q Manivannan has apologised after comments made in a podcast interview about rape and “demonisation” prompted criticism from rape survivors’ groups and politicians.
The MSP is facing scrutiny over the remarks, which were made during the interview and have led to concern from groups representing survivors of rape as well as political figures. The available material does not identify the groups or politicians involved, nor does it provide the full wording of the comments.
Manivannan’s apology was issued in response to the hurt caused by the remarks. The criticism centres on the way the subject was discussed in the podcast interview, with the controversy focusing on comments characterised as relating to rape and “demonisation”.
The case has placed the Scottish Green politician under public and political pressure, with survivor advocacy groups among those raising objections. Such criticism is significant because comments about sexual violence by elected representatives are closely scrutinised, particularly by organisations representing people directly affected by rape.
The latest known position is that Manivannan has apologised for the hurt caused, while criticism from survivor groups and politicians has been reported in connection with the podcast interview.
