Madeleine McCann’s parents remain hopeful she is alive as a new formal suspect has been announced.Kate and Gerry McCann have reacted to news of Portuguese authorities declaring a German man has been made a formal suspect in relation to her disappearance from Praia da Luz in May 2007.They said: “Even thought the possibility may be slim, we have not given up hope that Madeleine is still alive and we will be reunited with her.”Convicted paedophile Christian Brueckner, known in Germany as Christian B is now a formal suspect, or “arguido” but has not yet been charged with anything.In a full statement signed "Kate & Gerry", the parents say: "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."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."'Arguido' translates to a person whom the authorities believe committed a crime with the closest English equivalent being 'formal suspect.' Brueckner's lawyer Friedrich Fuelscher said: “The step taken by the Portuguese authorities should not be overrated."I assume that this measure is a procedural artifice to stop the statute of limitations threatening in a few days."In Portugal, there is a 15-year limit to prosecute serious crimes, which is understood to have prompted the country's police into the move so.
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