The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Fraternity urged to ‘step up and do the right thing’
St Andrews group urged to give up names of sex assault suspects
A St Andrews University group at the centre of sexual assault allegations has been urged to identify members facing accusations to police.
The St Andrews chapter of Alpha Epsilon Pi (AEPi) said it had suspended a number of members who had acknowledged involvement in claims of sexual misconduct made on social media.
However, Police Scotland say they have received no reports in relation to the allegations.
Scottish Liberal Democrat leader and North East Fife MSP Willie Rennie has now called for AEPi to “do the right thing” and hand over the names of those implicated to officers.
“This is not an issue for AEPi to resolve themselves, it has gone well beyond that,” said Mr Rennie.
“If AEPi knows anything about what has gone on and who is involved they must step up and do the right thing.
“These are deeply worrying allegations that deserve a thorough investigation by the authorities and the complainants deserve our full support.”
Detective Inspector Kelly McEwan, from Police Scotland’s Fife Division Public Protection Unit, urged victims of sexual assault not to suffer in silence.
She said: “We will always treat reports of sexual offences with the utmost sensitivity and professionalism.
“Victims will be supported and any reports will be thoroughly investigated.
“I want to encourage anyone who has been the victim of a sexual crime not to hesitate and to call us on 101 or 999 in emergency
“Alternatively, an anonymous report can be made via the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
These are deeply worrying allegations that deserve a thorough investigation by the authorities. NORTH EAST FIFE MSP WILLIE RENNIE
The Courier made attempts to contact AEPi, however the fraternity has yet to respond.
Last week it was revealed that the St Andrews Survivors Instagram account, set up as a platform for victims to speak out, was inundated with more than 100 allegations of rape, sexual assault and harassment within 30 hours of launching.
Not all claims shared by the page related to incidents at the university, with some predating students’ time at St Andrews.
It coincided with AEPi suspending a number of its members in St Andrews, pending investigations, and introducing “mandatory consent education” for those joining as a result of allegations involving the fraternity.
Police Scotland said it was continuing to work with St Andrews University following the claims made online.