Christian Brückner, the prime suspect in the disappearance of Madeleine McCann, was released from prison in Sehnde, northern Germany, on Wednesday after serving a sentence for rape. The 49-year-old German national had been convicted of raping a 72-year-old American woman in Praia da Luz, Portugal, in 2005, the same resort where the three-year-old British girl vanished 18 months later.
Brückner was driven away from the prison by his lawyer, Friedrich Fülscher, in a black Audi A6 with a police escort. He was covered in a blanket and sat in the back seat, but could not be seen due to tinted windows. German authorities confirmed they no longer had legal justification to hold him, but he must wear an electronic ankle tag, surrender his passport, and remain in Germany. He is also required to declare a permanent residence and cannot leave without permission.
State prosecutors continue to treat Brückner as the prime suspect in Madeleine's disappearance, which they consider a murder inquiry. British police also regard him as a suspect but treat the case as a missing-persons investigation. Brückner has consistently denied any involvement.
Lead investigator Hans Christian Wolters has stated his belief that Brückner killed Madeleine, citing circumstantial evidence including his mobile phone being logged in the area at the time and sworn testimony from three witnesses who claim he confessed. Wolters also described Brückner as 'fundamentally dangerous' and warned he may reoffend.
Brückner's lawyers have announced plans to appeal the supervision order. He is due back in court in October for a hearing regarding an alleged insult to prison staff. The investigation into Madeleine's disappearance remains active, with searches conducted in Portugal and Germany linked to Brückner.
