Madeleine McCann's parents say its 'essential' they know the truth about what happened to their daughter

This comes as current murder suspect Christian Brueckner is denied parole while serving a rape conviction

Author: Frankie GoldingPublished 3rd May 2022
Last updated 29th May 2022

Madeleine McCann's parents have released a statement saying it is "essential" they learn the truth of what happened to their daughter the same week it has been revealed that murder suspect Christian Brueckner had his parole application rejected.

The statement was posted to the Official Find Madeleine Campaign Facebook page on Monday ahead of the 15th anniversary of Maddie's disappearance.

It states: "We are grateful for the ongoing work and commitment of the UK, Portuguese and German authorities as it is this combined police effort which will yield results and bring us those answers."

It also mentions the parents' relationship with the word closure, saying: "Many people talk about the need for 'closure'. It's always felt a strange term.

"Regardless of outcome, Madeleine will always be our daughter and a truly horrific crime has been committed. These things will remain.

"It is true though that uncertainty creates weakness; knowledge and certainty give strength, and for this reason our need for answers, for the truth, is essential."

See the full post here:

This post comes the same week that Christian Brueckner, who is currently serving a seven-year term for raping someone in 2019, has been denied parole.

The convicted sex offender was declared an official suspect by Portuguese authorities last month.

He was reportedly denied this parole because of his 'social prognosis'.

This is according to lead prosecutor Hans Christian Woltors who told the Mirror: "His request was rejected on the grounds that he could not be given a positive social prognosis.

"In other words, the court has said it believes that the convict will commit further offences if released."

Investigators believe the convicted sex offender killed Madeleine in 2007, when she was then three, after abducting her from the holiday apartment.

Brueckner has reportedly denied any involvement in the McCann case and has not been charged.

The Metropolitan Police, which continues to treat Madeleine's disappearance as a missing persons' inquiry, said it is "committed" to finding the truth 15 years on.

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Cranwell from the Metropolitan Police, who leads the operation, said: "Fifteen years on from Madeleine's disappearance in Praia Da Luz our thoughts, as always, are with her family.

"Officers continue to investigate the case and our dedicated team are still working closely with law enforcement colleagues from the Portuguese Policia Judiciaria as well as the German Bundeskriminalamt.

"At this time, the case remains a missing person's inquiry and all involved are committed to doing what we can to find answers."

Hear all the latest news from across Edinburgh, the Lothians, Fife and Falkirk on the hour, every hour, at Forth 1. Listen on FM, via our Radio Forth app, on your DAB radio, online at Forth1.com, or say ‘Play Forth 1’ on your Smart Speaker.