A man believed to be linked to the disappearance of British toddler Madeleine McCann in 2007 has been released from prison after serving a sentence for an unrelated crime. Identified as Christian Brückner by the media, he had completed a seven-year term for the rape of a 72-year-old American woman in Portugal.
Police confirmed his release from a prison in Sehnde, near Hannover, Germany. German prosecutors had previously announced that he was under investigation for murder in connection with Madeleine McCann’s disappearance, though he has denied any involvement. The ongoing investigation involves authorities in the UK, Portugal, and Germany.
The 48-year-old suspect is required to wear an electronic foot tag, report to probation services regularly, and surrender his passport following his release. Despite being a person of interest in the case, he has not been charged in connection with Madeleine McCann’s disappearance.
Investigators are still working to unravel the events of that fateful night when Madeleine vanished from a resort in Portugal. The suspect had spent considerable time in the area around the time of her disappearance, and authorities continue to piece together the details.
Keyphrase: Madeleine McCann case