Editorial
Madeleine McCann’s parents, Kate and Gerry, have released a statement responding to a German man being named an ‘official suspect’ in the high-profile case.
The couple has said they ‘welcome the news’ that Christian B has been labelled an ‘arguido’ (which translates as ‘named suspect’) in the disappearance of their ‘beloved’ daughter.
In a statement signed ‘Kate & Gerry,’ they penned: “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.
Find out more about the ‘official suspect’ here…
“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.”
In Portuguese law, the ‘arguido’ status is reportedly a preliminary move ahead of a potential arrest or any charges being made.
The move to name Christian B was prompted due to Portugal’s 15-year limit for prosecuting serious crimes.
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After May 3, the statute of limitations would have meant he could no longer be charged.
Hans Christian Wolters, a German prosecutor, reportedly told Sky News the decision was made ‘only for formal reasons, to prevent a statute of limitations in Portugal’.
One of the country’s sources is believed to have added: “The legal grounds for making [Christian B] an arguido include the fact that he allegedly confessed to a friend he had snatched Madeleine and mobile phone records placed him in Praia da Luz the night she vanished.”
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