Kathrine Frich
German prosecutors are seeking strict post-release measures.
German prosecutors are seeking strict post-release measures.
Madeleine McCann Suspect Set for Release
Christian Brueckner, the main suspect in the disappearance of Madeleine McCann, is expected to walk free from a German prison in September. But authorities are determined not to let him slip away unnoticed.
Amid fears he could vanish to a non-extradition country, German prosecutors are seeking strict post-release measures.
Authorities Push for Electronic Tagging
Prosecutors have applied to impose ‘führungsaufsicht,’ a legal supervision order reserved for high-risk ex-convicts.
If granted, Brueckner would be fitted with an electronic ankle tag, his passport would be seized, and he would face numerous movement restrictions.
Fear of Escape to Non-Extradition Nations
Brueckner has allegedly expressed his desire to flee to a country that does not have an extradition treaty with the EU or UK.
His lawyer has floated options like Suriname and even suggested the suspect could undergo plastic surgery to evade detection.
Travel and Residency Restrictions Ahead
The judicial supervision would mean Brueckner couldn’t leave Germany without approval.
He would also be barred from entering areas frequented by children, such as schools and playgrounds, and would need police permission to change his address.
Prosecutors: “You Can Absolutely Count on That”
A source close to the investigation told The Mirror: “Of course we’re trying to make sure he can’t flee abroad, you can absolutely count on that.”
Prosecutors are anxious to keep Brueckner within reach should they obtain a warrant for his arrest.
A Controversial Legal Strategy
Brueckner’s attorney, Philipp Marquort, said earlier this year that his client has gone back and forth about whether to remain in Germany or escape Europe altogether.
He even discussed altering his appearance: “If I were him, I would get a face operation,” Marquort said.
Sentence Nears Completion
Brueckner is serving a seven-year sentence for raping a 72-year-old woman in Praia da Luz.
He is expected to be released from Sehnde prison near Hannover on September 17.
Previous hopes of keeping him behind bars longer due to unpaid fines were dashed when a retired police officer unexpectedly paid them.
Prime Suspect, But Still Uncharged
Despite being named the prime suspect in Madeleine McCann’s 2007 disappearance, Brueckner has not been charged in connection with the case.
A lengthy police investigation has yet to produce enough evidence, and he was cleared last October of several sex crime allegations in Portugal.
Authorities Hope to Prevent Disappearance
German prosecutors are awaiting the outcome of an appeal in the Federal Court of Justice regarding previous verdicts.
In the meantime, they want to ensure that if Brueckner is released, he won’t vanish without a trace.
Madeleine’s Parents Still Waiting for Justice
Madeleine McCann’s parents, Kate and Gerry, continue to await answers.
Madeleine was just three years old when she disappeared during a family holiday in Portugal.
Although German teams recently resumed searches in Praia da Luz, no major breakthroughs have been reported.
A Shadow Still Cast Over Praia da Luz
Brueckner lived in a rundown farmhouse near the resort at the time of Madeleine’s disappearance.
His connection to the area and criminal history continue to fuel speculation, but for now, he remains a suspect without charges.
