The prime suspect in the Madeleine McCann case, Christian Brueckner, could be released from prison in less than two weeks as he seeks early release. The 48-year-old German sex offender is currently serving a seven-year sentence for raping an American pensioner in Portugal in 2005.
Brueckner has been accused by prosecutors of murdering Madeleine, who disappeared aged three during a family holiday in Praia da Luz in May 2007. He denies any involvement in her disappearance. The news comes after a German court acquitted him of unrelated rape and sexual abuse charges in Portugal between 2000 and 2017.
Prosecutors are reportedly 'nervous' that Brueckner could be freed before a decision on whether to appeal against his acquittal is confirmed. If released, his lawyers are prepared to challenge any ruling that could extend his detention. If an appeal is rejected, prosecutors would have to charge Brueckner over Madeleine's disappearance, which would require a new arrest warrant to keep him behind bars.
Key witnesses in the Madeleine case are reportedly being called to secret meetings to prepare for possible charges. A source told The Sun that Brueckner's legal team is acting now to secure his release before an appeal against his acquittal is allowed, which would create a new arrest warrant.
When Brueckner was named as the main suspect in 2022, Kate and Gerry McCann released a statement saying: 'All we have ever wanted is to find her, uncover the truth and bring those responsible to justice. We will never give up hope of finding Madeleine alive, but whatever the outcome may be, we need to know as we need to find peace.'
