The parents of Madeleine McCann have spoken of their continuing heartbreak and the need to find out the "truth" on the 15th anniversary of their daughter's disappearance.
On this day in 2007, Madeline vanished from a holiday home in Praia da Luz, Portugal, and despite widespread searches and numerous updated appeals, the then three-year-old has never been found. Despite the lack of success, British and Portuguese authorities are still investigating the disappearance.
Marking the 15th anniversary of the incident, Madeleine's parents - Gerry and Huyton -born Kate - issued a statement discussing their feelings on this day. The post on the Find Madeleine website includes a quote from Winnie the Pooh, which says: "But the most important thing is, even if we're apart, I'll always be with you."
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The statement on the Find Madeline website adds: "This year we mark fifteen years since we last saw Madeleine. It feels no harder than any other but no easier either. It’s a very long time.
"Many people talk about the need for ‘closure’. It’s always felt a strange term.
"Regardless of outcome, Madeleine will always be our daughter and a truly horrific crime has been committed. These things will remain.
"It is true though that uncertainty creates weakness; knowledge and certainty give strength, and for this reason our need for answers, for the truth, is essential. We are grateful for the ongoing work and commitment of the UK, Portuguese and German authorities as it is this combined police effort which will yield results and bring us those answers.
"As always, we would like to thank all of our supporters for their continued good wishes and support. It is a huge comfort to know that regardless of time passed, Madeleine is still in people’s hearts and minds. Thank you. Kate and Gerry."
In recent weeks, hopes of finding out what has happened to Maddie have increased after Portuguese authorities declared a German paedophile as an official suspect. Investigators believe he may have abducted Maddie and possibly killed her.
Brueckner is currently serving a jail term in his native Germany for a separate case.Christian Brueckner has reportedly denied any link to the case and claims to have an alibi.
Following news that he had been named as an official suspect, it has been reported that Brueckner has had a parole application rejected in his home country. According to the Mirror, Brueckner – who was sentenced to a seven-year term for rape in 2019 – was denied parole in April due to his "social prognosis".
A spokesperson for the Oldenburg District Court told the paper it had ruled there were "no grounds for suspending the remainder of the sentence". Lead German prosecutor Hans Christian Wolters told the Mirror: "His request was rejected on the grounds that he could not be given a positive social prognosis. In other words, the court has said it believes that the convict will commit further offences if released."
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