A convicted rapist linked to the case of Madeleine McCann’s disappearance may soon be released from prison in Germany without any restrictions on his movements, possibly fleeing the country within six weeks.
Christian Brueckner, who is set to be discharged from Sehnde jail near Hanover this week after serving time for a 2005 rape in Portugal, could be free to go without public knowledge of any limitations imposed on him.
According to a legal source in Germany, the UK’s system differs significantly, preventing prosecutors from publicly revealing Brueckner’s full name due to strict privacy laws. His release conditions are expected to be kept confidential.
Brueckner’s legal team argues that he should be allowed to depart Germany within 45 days of his release, potentially relocating to a nation without extradition agreements with Germany or the UK while undergoing plastic surgery.
The 48-year-old Brueckner has been identified as the main suspect in the disappearance of Madeleine McCann in 2007. German prosecutor Hans-Christian Wolters has requested strict surveillance, including the removal of Brueckner’s passport and the use of an electronic monitoring device upon his release.
Despite the ongoing investigation and efforts to trace a crucial phone call made to Brueckner on the night of Madeleine’s disappearance, one of Brueckner’s attorneys does not anticipate his client facing charges in connection to the case.
The lawyer expressed hope that Brueckner, who served his sentence, can resume a normal life in Germany despite the media scrutiny and emphasized the principle of innocence until proven guilty in the Madeleine McCann case.