Prosecutors 'don't deny' fresh evidence in Madeleine McCann case
Prosecutors investigating the disappearance of Madeleine McCann have hinted there is new evidence in the case involving chief suspect Christian Brueckner.
On the 15th anniversary of Madeleine's 2007 disappearance, prosecutor Hans Christian Wolters told Portuguese TV show Sabado that he could "not deny" reports of fresh information.
He said: "The investigation is still going on and we have found some new facts, some new evidence, not forensic evidence but evidence."
However, Brueckner's lawyer categorically denied the claim. Speaking to MailOnline, Friedrich Fulscher said: "This is bulls**t. Listen to the interview, the prosecutor said they had new evidence but he then says it not forensic evidence.
"Are fibres not forensic evidence? For almost two years we have tried to access the Madeleine McCann files from the prosecutor so we can see the evidence but so far nothing.
"The position is still the same, he denies any involvement and we will not be saying anything further until we see the files."
Brueckner, who was identified as a murder suspect by German prosecutors in June 2020, has reportedly denied any involvement in the McCann case and has not been charged.
Investigators believe the convicted sex offender killed Madeleine, then three, after abducting her from the holiday apartment.
Read more: Madeleine McCann timeline - Key dates in investigation as suspect identified
Wolters repeated his allegation that Brueckner was responsible for Madeleine's murder, but said: "We are sure that he killed Madeleine McCann. I can't give you any more details for the moment."
There has been speculation that the new evidence could be fibres from the pyjamas the little girl was wearing that night being found in the back of a van belonging to the suspect.
When asked of these allegations, Wolters replied: "I'm not going to comment on the details of the investigation."
However, when pressed on whether he would deny those claims said: "I don't want to deny it", adding: "because the suspect has not yet been informed".
Brueckner is currently serving a seven-year jail term for rape in a separate case in 2019, and on Tuesday it was reported he has had a parole application rejected over fears he might commit further offences.
Wolters 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.”
It comes after Madeleine’s parents said it was “essential” they learn the truth of what happened to their daughter ahead of the 15th anniversary of her disappearance.
In a message on the Official Find Madeleine Campaign Facebook page on Monday, Kate and Gerry McCann wrote although “uncertainty creates weakness”, they need closure on what happened to the toddler at the holiday apartment in Praia da Luz, Portugal, on 3 May 2007.
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.
The McCanns’ post read: “This year we mark 15 years since we last saw Madeleine.
“It feels no harder than any other (year) but no easier either.
“It’s a very long time.
“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.
“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.
“As always, we would like to thank all of our supporters for their continued good wishes and support.
“It is a huge comfort to know that regardless of time passed, Madeleine is still in people’s hearts and minds.
“Thank you.”
In July 2013, Scotland Yard launched its own investigation, Operation Grange, into Madeleine’s disappearance
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.”
