The President of Brazil has demanded a probe into the death in Edinburgh of one of his country’s leading journalists.
Nathalia Urban, 36, took her own life her own life last week.
But the Sunday Mail can reveal political figures, friends and colleagues are demanding police investigate claims of physical and mental domestic abuse in the lead-up to the tragedy.
We have seen correspondence with Police Scotland in which officers acknowledged there is evidence of alleged domestic abuse in Nathalia’s case which they have confirmed will now be investigated.
Brazilian president Lula da Silva said: “Nathalia was an exceptionally competent and dedicated international analyst and journalist.
“She was young with a bright future , which was unfortunately pre-maturely cut short. We hope all the circumstances surrounding her death are properly clarified.”
São Paulo-born Nathalia was due to speak at an event at the Labour Party conference in Liverpool but didn’t attend, sparking concern.
On Monday, in the hours before she died, she posted heartbreaking final messages on her X account stating: “I am really desperate, this whole situation is too much.
“I need to reorganise myself financially or I will end up homeless. Please, if anyone is hiring in Scotland just give me a shout. I don’t think I have ever been this depressed in my life.”
Nathalia was a presenter and correspondent on the online news channel Brazil 247 – and had been living in Scotland for around 10 years.
Brazil-based colleague Brian Mier said: “There needs to be a full police investigation into the circumstances.”
Earlier this month proposals to modernise domestic abuse laws were published at Holyrood.
The Criminal Justice Modernisation and Abusive Domestic Behaviour Reviews (Scotland) Bill, would require a new review process to take place after the death of a partner, ex, or child where abuse is known or suspected.
Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, who also knew Nathalia, has called for answers over the death.
He said: “Nathalia was a fearless journalist. Her pass-ing is a tragedy and saddens me greatly. I echo the call from President Lula for clarity.”