The main suspect in the Madeleine McCann case may soon be released from custody as authorities rush to build a case against the German individual linked to the British child’s disappearance. Christian Brueckner, 48, is accused by prosecutors of killing the three-year-old in Portugal back in 2007. Despite already being in prison, Brueckner is pushing for early release following his acquittal on unrelated charges last year. There are concerns that he could be set free within a fortnight, prompting key witnesses in the Madeleine case to convene for confidential discussions in anticipation of potential charges being filed against Brueckner.
A source disclosed to The Sun that the move for Brueckner’s early release, which might have been dismissed under normal circumstances, is causing unease due to the surprising outcome of his previous trial. His legal team is capitalizing on the current situation to preempt any possible appeal against his acquittal that could result in a new arrest warrant, leading to his re-incarceration.
The source further emphasized that if Brueckner is released, there are fears that he could abscond and evade authorities indefinitely, which would be devastating for Madeleine’s parents. This development follows a German court’s decision to clear Brueckner of prior rape and sexual abuse charges in Portugal spanning from 2000 to 2017. However, he is presently serving a seven-year sentence for the 2005 rape of an American woman in Praia da Luz, Portugal, a conviction that is keeping him detained until September.
Pending a potential retrial, his legal team is striving to secure his release before any appeal proceedings are finalized. Despite the odds, prosecutors are anxious about the court’s forthcoming ruling. Should Brueckner be freed, Madeleine’s legal representatives intend to challenge the decision, potentially causing delays in his release.
If the appeal is unsuccessful, prosecutors will be compelled to formally charge Brueckner in connection with Madeleine’s disappearance on May 3, 2007 in Praia da Luz, triggering the issuance of a new arrest warrant to prevent his escape.
Recent reports suggest that Brueckner is contemplating fleeing Europe and altering his appearance upon release from custody. Discussions with his defense team are ongoing regarding a potential move to a country without extradition agreements with Germany or the UK, where investigations into Madeleine’s case are ongoing.
In an exclusive interview, one of Brueckner’s lawyers, Philipp Marquort, shared that his client is considering staying in Germany or leaving Europe altogether, possibly to a nation like Suriname that does not extradite to Europe or the UK.