Christian Brueckner, the prime suspect in the disappearance of Madeleine McCann, has been released from prison under strict conditions, raising concerns about his potential to flee the country. The 49-year-old convicted paedophile was released from Sehnde prison earlier today after serving a seven-year sentence for rape. Identified as the main suspect in the Madeleine case in June 2020, Brueckner was never formally charged despite an extensive police investigation.
As part of his release conditions, Brueckner has been equipped with a GPS ankle tag to monitor his movements round the clock. Additionally, his passport has been confiscated, and he is required to report regularly to the probation service, potentially on a weekly basis. Brueckner is prohibited from coming near schools, nurseries, or other places frequented by children and must seek approval for any change of residence.
However, Brueckner’s lawyer, Friedrich Fuelscher, has raised concerns about the effectiveness of the ankle tag if his client decides to leave Germany. Fuelscher stated that the ankle cuff becomes ineffective once Brueckner crosses the German border, hinting at his client’s intention to vanish overseas to a country without extradition treaties with the EU or the UK.
Despite having his passport confiscated, Brueckner will be issued a German identity card and must maintain a permanent address in Germany. Nevertheless, there are concerns that he could still evade authorities and escape to another EU country. Prosecutors are actively seeking evidence to charge Brueckner in connection with Madeleine’s disappearance, a case he vehemently denies involvement in since May 2007.
German search teams recently conducted a three-day search for evidence in Portugal, where Brueckner was living in a rundown farmhouse on the outskirts of Praia da Luz when Madeleine vanished. If Brueckner manages to leave Germany undetected, it would pose a significant challenge for authorities to apprehend him.
Fuelscher maintains Brueckner’s innocence and mentioned that his client has conflicting emotions about his release, expressing uncertainties about the future. In an interview with RTL, the lawyer highlighted the apprehensions Brueckner may have as he navigates post-prison life.