Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie MSP has written to Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill to ask him to explain the events that led to the consideration of a gagging order being imposed on former MSP Tommy Sheridan.
Mr Rennie is pleased that the gagging order on Mr Sheridan has now been lifted but believes that even the consideration of such an order flies in the face of Scotland's fiercely held democratic beliefs.
Commenting Mr Rennie said:
"I am extremely concerned that a gagging order was even considered in a country that fiercely protects the value of free speech.
"I am pleased that sense has prevailed but the Justice Secretary needs to explain the events leading to this decision."