The prime suspect in the high-profile case of Madeleine McCann's disappearance has been released from prison in Germany, where he has been serving a sentence for an unrelated offence.
Christian Brückner was driven out in a black Audi by his lawyer with a police escort shortly after 09:00 local time. Police confirmed that he had left Sehnde prison.
Brückner had been convicted of raping a 72-year-old American woman in Portugal in 2005 and will wear an ankle tag after his release. He has never been charged in connection with the McCann case and denies any involvement.
Local police stated they aimed for a smooth release process, escorting Brückner for a short distance while keeping his future whereabouts undisclosed. His lawyer mentioned that Brückner is relieved to be out of prison.
Despite his release, Brückner remains a suspect in the McCann case, with investigative efforts ongoing. The disappearance of three-year-old Madeleine from a holiday apartment in Portugal in 2007 has been termed one of the most prominent unsolved cases in the world.
German prosecutors have indicated that while they possess some evidence connecting Brückner to the case, it has not been sufficient to bring charges. They are concerned about the possibility that he might flee after his release and have imposed strict conditions on him, including electronic monitoring for five years.
Brückner’s previous history includes sexual offenses, raising concerns regarding his potential recidivism. Ongoing investigations into Madeleine's disappearance continue with the hope for new leads as they remain a top priority for both German and British authorities.
