Madeleine McCann's parents 'haven't given up hope' daughter alive as German national declared formal suspect
22.04.2022 - 21:45
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
The parents of missing Madeleine McCann have welcomed news Portuguese authorities have declared a German national as a 'formal suspect' in the case - and said they 'have not given up hope' that she's still alive. Christian Brueckner, 44, was identified as a murder suspect by German prosecutors in June 2020, but he has not been charged since then.
Investigators believe the convicted sex offender killed Madeleine, then three, after abducting her from a holiday apartment in Praia da Luz, Portugal, in May 2007. In a statement issued tonight Madeleine's parents, Kate and Gerry McCann, from Rothley, Leicestershire, said they 'have not given up hope that Madeleine is still alive and we will be reunited with her'.
The full statement, signed 'Kate & Gerry', said: "We welcome the news that the Portuguese authorities have declared a German man an 'arguido' in relation to the disappearance of our beloved daughter Madeleine.
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"This reflects progress in the investigation, being conducted by the Portuguese, German and British authorities. We are kept informed of developments by the Metropolitan Police. It is important to note the 'arguido' has not yet been charged with any specific crime related to Madeleine’s disappearance. Even though the possibility may be slim, we have not given up hope that Madeleine is still alive and we will be reunited with her."
A statement was issued on Thursday by the Portimao section of the Faro department of criminal investigation and prosecution which, according to a translation, says that a person was made an 'arguido' - which translates as 'named suspect' or 'formal suspect' - a day earlier.
The statement does not name Brueckner, but says the person was made an 'arguido' by German