Madeleine McCann Discussion

[Jayelles]

There is some more information in today's news. Her grandmother told the BBC that people should look out for a distinctive "flash" which Madeline has in her eye where her pupil runs into her iris.

I have done a little graphic for this (hope it works):-

http://people.delphiforums.com/jayelles/madeline%20eye%20flash.jpg

If it doesn't work, the image can be seen by clicking on the link below:-

http://people.delphiforums.com/jayelles/madeline%20eye%20flash.jpg

[Miguel]

Hello. I'm from Portugal and I am following this case in the news everyday since Madeleine was abducted on May 3.
I have to disagree with some british media saying portuguese police is under-resourced and under-experienced. Our police is good in cases like this. In Sept 2004 a little girl disapeared in Algarve and the police solved the case. Unfortunately, the girl was killed by her mother who is now in jail for the next 20 years.

With Madeleine they are doing an impossible job. Within hours they had hundreds of agents on location, helicopters, they even closed border to Portugal/Spain in Algarve. The navy is in the water since day one, and they still there. If Madeleine is in Portugal they will find her.
One or two days after the crime someone spoted a man with a little blonde girl and called the police and 5 minutes later police was there (they were father and daughter on vacations). The only diference from UK is that some issues cannot be discussed in public. They hold information that is important to the investigation. They only release information that can help. I don't think that is unusual. The first days, police didn't tell all they know to the parents because they were suspects.
The media coverage is unbelievable. Rarely seen anything like this in Portugal. We only have 3 nacional TV Stations and, no matter what time, at least one of them is broadcasting live from Algarve. In the last 10 days, if you are in Portugal and turn on the TV you will see something about Madeleine.
There's a big reward for the safe return of Madeleine. Writer JK Rowling of "Harry Poter" is offering a substancial reward. All rewards together from celebraties and friends of the family sum up to 4 million euro. Soccer superstars Cristiano Ronald and David Beckam made apeals. Madeleine's uncle, John McCann, is trying to put photos on giant screens in Glasgow stadium during the Uefa cup final next wednesday.


The last news, police now know the motive of the crime and believe can rescue Madeleine at any moment. Don't know if dead or alive. The prime suspect is someone from UK in vacations in the same resort (problably friends of Madeleine's parents) or an employee of the resort.


PS: My english is not perfect. Sorry about that.

[Jayelles]

Hello. I'm from Portugal and I am following this case in the news everyday since Madeleine was abducted on May 3.
I have to disagree with some british media saying portuguese police is under-resourced and under-experienced. Our police is good in cases like this. In Sept 2004 a little girl disapeared in Algarve and the police solved the case. Unfortunately, the girl was killed by her mother who is now in jail for the next 20 years.

With Madeleine they are doing an impossible job. Within hours they had hundreds of agents on location, helicopters, they even closed border to Portugal/Spain in Algarve. The navy is in the water since day one, and they still there. If Madeleine is in Portugal they will find her.
One or two days after the crime someone spoted a man with a little blonde girl and called the police and 5 minutes later police was there (they were father and daughter on vacations). The only diference from UK is that some issues cannot be discussed in public. They hold information that is important to the investigation. They only release information that can help. I don't think that is unusual. The first days, police didn't tell all they know to the parents because they were suspects.
The media coverage is unbelievable. Rarely seen anything like this in Portugal. We only have 3 nacional TV Stations and, no matter what time, at least one of them is broadcasting live from Algarve. In the last 10 days, if you are in Portugal and turn on the TV you will see something about Madeleine.
There's a big reward for the safe return of Madeleine. Writer JK Rowling of "Harry Poter" is offering a substancial reward. All rewards together from celebraties and friends of the family sum up to 4 million euro. Soccer superstars Cristiano Ronald and David Beckam made apeals. Madeleine's uncle, John McCann, is trying to put photos on giant screens in Glasgow stadium during the Uefa cup final next wednesday.


The last news, police now know the motive of the crime and believe can rescue Madeleine at any moment. Don't know if dead or alive. The prime suspect is someone from UK in vacations in the same resort (problably friends of Madeleine's parents) or an employee of the resort.


PS: My english is not perfect. Sorry about that.


Miguel, your english is great, thanks for posting. On the whole, the media coverage here has been pretty sympathetic towards the Portugese police and when they say they are under-resourced and inexperienced - it's not a criticism and they explain that the reason for this is because you do not have the high crime rates that other countries have and that is one of the reasons why so many people keep returning to your country for their vacations. I have friends who will only go to Portugal on holiday because it's their favourite holiday destination.

We also understand that you have secrecy laws which prevent the police from disclosing details of the case. We have similar laws here which take effect when a person is charged with a crime. The law is called pro judice and it is to protect the integrity of the trial. As soon as someone is charged with a crime, the media cannot report on that crime until the trial.

We are all very hopeful that whomever has taken Madeline will look after her and decide to return her safely to her parents.

[Miguel]

Jayelles, I didn´t know that. Our media is saying that your media is criticizing the portuguese police. We have some poor media here, I have to admit. Always looking for scandals.
I think is great the two polices are working together, helping each other.
There were some critics to the parents because they left the childrens alone but I think is ridiculous. As someone said is a question of culture, they were on vacations in safe complex in a litle town with almost no crime.


Some details, as I read the news here in Portugal:

The resort had a 24 hour baby sitting service that the parents turned down. Later they told the police they thought there were security cameras all over the resort.
They left the 3 children sleeping in the house and had dinner in a restaurant inside the resort 50 meters away. They could see the back of the house but they could not see any windows or any doors. They checked the kids every 15 minutes or so.
The police took more than 2 hours to get there because the McCanns contacted the British council, instead of going directly to the police. The British Council contacted the UK police and the UK police contacted the portuguese police.
This is a low crime area, however during the summer when Algarve is full of tourists there are some robberys always during dinner time when the thieves know the tourists are at the restaurants and sometimes don't even lock the doors.

I hope Madeleine is safe and will return home soon.

[Jayelles]

Jayelles, I didn´t know that. Our media is saying that your media is criticizing the portuguese police. We have some poor media here, I have to admit. Always looking for scandals.
I think is great the two polices are working together, helping each other.
There were some critics to the parents because they left the childrens alone but I think is ridiculous. As someone said is a question of culture, they were on vacations in safe complex in a litle town with almost no crime.


Some details, as I read the news here in Portugal:

The resort had a 24 hour baby sitting service that the parents turned down. Later they told the police they thought there were security cameras all over the resort.
They left the 3 children sleeping in the house and had dinner in a restaurant inside the resort 50 meters away. They could see the back of the house but they could not see any windows or any doors. They checked the kids every 15 minutes or so.
The police took more than 2 hours to get there because the McCanns contacted the British council, instead of going directly to the police. The British Council contacted the UK police and the UK police contacted the portuguese police.
This is a low crime area, however during the summer when Algarve is full of tourists there are some robberys always during dinner time when the thieves know the tourists are at the restaurants and sometimes don't even lock the doors.

I hope Madeleine is safe and will return home soon.


You were absolutely right about the British woman. The news has been reported here. Police are interviewing more than one person and they have cordoned off a villa about 150 yards from the apartment where Madeline was staying. The villa is owned by a British woman, but it sounds as though it's her son who is being questioned.

One new report said that the son was staying with his mother, but that he is developing his own house. If this is true, I hope they search it too.

Miguel - the Portugese police were described on the BBC as being "Courteous, efficient and professional".

Incidentally, the man who appears to be getting questioned was reported by a British tabloid journalist. She reported her suspicions of him to the Portugese police, and the British police.

We'll see how this pans out. The police are at pains to point out that no-one has been arrested - yet.

[Miguel]

You were absolutely right about the British woman. The news has been reported here. Police are interviewing more than one person and they have cordoned off a villa about 150 yards from the apartment where Madeline was staying. The villa is owned by a British woman, but it sounds as though it's her son who is being questioned.

One new report said that the son was staying with his mother, but that he is developing his own house. If this is true, I hope they search it too.

Miguel - the Portugese police were described on the BBC as being "Courteous, efficient and professional".

Incidentally, the man who appears to be getting questioned was reported by a British tabloid journalist. She reported her suspicions of him to the Portugese police, and the British police.

We'll see how this pans out. The police are at pains to point out that no-one has been arrested - yet.


The police interviewed 3 people. One British man 50 years old, his mother 79 years old and a friend portuguese man. They left police station at 2am. No-one was arrested. As you said, the british man lives with his mother only 100 meters from where Madeleine disapeared. The man tried to infiltrate in the investigation since the begining. He was always near and asking the reporters how things were going. He even offered help to the police so that he would translate conversations between the police and british witnesses.
One jornalist from the Sunday Mirror reported his behavior to both polices.
The mother had some kind of stand on the street for colecting informations about Madeleine. She said it was for people who would not be confortable talking to the police they could go there and talk to her.

[Miguel]

Acording to the last news.
Robert Murat, the british man who was interviewed yesterday is now a defendant.
He is 32 and not 50 years old as I a said in the previous post.

[Jayelles]

Acording to the last news.
Robert Murat, the british man who was interviewed yesterday is now a defendant.
He is 32 and not 50 years old as I a said in the previous post.

The correct translation for arguido is "suspect". A defendent is someone who is on trial :-)

Marat is now an official suspect. However, the BBC have explained that he may actually have requested to be made a suspect himself as this gives him more rights than he would have as a mere witness.

[Miguel]

The correct translation for arguido is "suspect". A defendent is someone who is on trial :-)

Marat is now an official suspect. However, the BBC have explained that he may actually have requested to be made a suspect himself as this gives him more rights than he would have as a mere witness.

Sorry. Didn't mean to give false information.
I searched for the correct word in an on-line dictionary.
You are right. "Arguido" is an official suspect.

The sum off all rewards is now 6 millions euros. I hope this will not make lots of people calling the police reporting things that are not true.

[dallasvic]

This child is so precious. I am Hoping and Praying that who ever took this child is someone who can not have kids of their own and has choose her to be their child this way we would know that she would be in GOOD HANDS til she is found.people like that are less likely to harm the child even though she would need professional help once she is returned she would not be physically harmed.

:rose: MY HEARTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO THE FAMILY:rose:

[teramiabullfrog]

on behalf of all of us involved with the charity "finding our children under stress" (f.o.c.u.s.) organization (a charity created and developed by families of the missing) we extend our hope and prayers your child is located and returned to you quickly.

there's so much to learn and improve. the international missing and exploited children agency should improve global law enforcement procedure in emergency abduction policy. all transportation should have had heigthened security watch. families need to be aware resort vacation destinations are no time to let down your everyday safety guidelines.

she could be anywhere by now. most attention should be in the area where the abduction occurred; however, flyer distribution of her endangered missing child photo-notice should be distributed and posted in all law enforcement agencies, all post offices, and given to other agencies and private charities who specialize in missing person notice posting and distribution, globally. if someone will provide us with a web address to print a copy of her missing child flyer and we will include her with our display binder (left in over 2,000 post offices in eight western united states). i will also see if she's currently displayed in the ncmec web.

[teramiabullfrog]

apparently madeleine's family is from portugaul; therefore, ncmec wouldn't have a missing child notice of her. i did inadvertantly find the crimelibrary missing children site and found the full story about madeleine there (excellent missing children site, i'll visit it more often and make copies of the missing featured here). i will make copies of madeleine immediately and include her in our display programs.

[sharlock]

Sorry. Didn't mean to give false information.
I searched for the correct word in an on-line dictionary.
You are right. "Arguido" is an official suspect.

The sum off all rewards is now 6 millions euros. I hope this will not make lots of people calling the police reporting things that are not true.
Hi Miguel,
In my opinion there will be a flood of calls as is usual in any case with a large reward. Lets hope that these will at least be genuine calls.
I wish I could understand how adults could be so callous as to be part of a paedophilia ring (especially the women); this is a parents worst fears realised!
Sharlock

[Mishell1383]

You know - these websites COULD be used to benefit the Madeleine's Fund.

Instead of the owners keeping the money from the advertising, they could donate it to the Madeleine Fund and post a link to the Official website.

The advertisers still get a hit
The Fund gets paid for wrong hits
The Fund gets free advertising

I wonder if any of these website owners would have the backbone to do this?
you def have a point! Maybe they will donate? That would be wonderful.

[Jayelles]

The British police have set up a website and appealed to anyone who was at the same resort in Portugal as the McCann's have been staying to upload their holiday photos at this website. I don't think the photos will be getting displayed on the website - just sent via the website to the police. They aren't interested in scenic shots - just photos with strangers in the background. They are going to compare the photos with know paedophiles.

Jessops (High Street Photography store) will scan photos free of charge for anyone who doesn't have their photos in electronic format.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6677803.stm

[MaggieMay]

I was thinking of approaching my kids school to ask if they could have a non uniform day where the children will donate maybe £1 for not wearing their uniform and the money could be sent into the Madeleine fund.

[sharlock]

I was thinking of approaching my kids school to ask if they could have a non uniform day where the children will donate maybe £1 for not wearing their uniform and the money could be sent into the Madeleine fund.
You guys are all so fantastic! I want to cry reading this thread; the worst things so often bring out the best in people and I can see that all of you guys are among the best! This little girl has to be found quick any case with this much attention puts the paedophiles in danger and I am terrified that they will decide to get rid of the risk! I pray to God she will get home safe and sound!:rose:

[Jayelles]

I was thinking of approaching my kids school to ask if they could have a non uniform day where the children will donate maybe £1 for not wearing their uniform and the money could be sent into the Madeleine fund.

Good idea! Schools are often more than happy to oblige in this way. Plus it's a good way for people on tight budgets to give a small amount and feel as though they are contributing.

[Reborn17]

Good idea! Schools are often more than happy to oblige in this way. Plus it's a good way for people on tight budgets to give a small amount and feel as though they are contributing.

To have a day like that at schools would be a very good idea to help raise money to help find Madeleine i'm sure most parents wouls contribute to such a worthwhile cause.:cool:

[Mishell1383]

To have a day like that at schools would be a very good idea to help raise money to help find Madeleine i'm sure most parents wouls contribute to such a worthwhile cause.:cool:
I totally 100% agree !

[Reborn17]

I totally 100% agree !

There are a lot of schools out there and if they did this once a month they could build up a central fund to help lots of people in the same position as Madeleine's parents.:beer:

[elvislives]

I have a colleague in the UK and he told me that at his daughter's school (a Catholic School) the kids are foregoing lunch on Friday's and their lunch money is being donated to the Madeleine fund. The students are also wearing the yellow ribbons and buttons or t-shirts with her picture on it. I think this makes the kids feel like they are helping plus creates more awareness of her disappearance.

If this little girl is still alive, I am sure she is in continental Europe or north Africa so it is imperative that her image stays public. I keep hoping to hear some positive news on this case. My heart goes out to the family.

[dallasvic]

I have a colleague in the UK and he told me that at his daughter's school (a Catholic School) the kids are foregoing lunch on Friday's and their lunch money is being donated to the Madeleine fund. The students are also wearing the yellow ribbons and buttons or t-shirts with her picture on it. I think this makes the kids feel like they are helping plus creates more awareness of her disappearance.

If this little girl is still alive, I am sure she is in continental Europe or north Africa so it is imperative that her image stays public. I keep hoping to hear some positive news on this case. My heart goes out to the family.

Hi Everyone ,

Sorry i have not been here today. Had to sleep and feel better.
Yall have some great ideas going on here . These thing would help keep her pic. out they so it does not slide through the wood work like alot of thing do . People need to be reminded.
HERE to yall:beer:
:rose: My Heart & Prayers Are With Madeleine & Family:rose:

[Livia]

These are all fantastic ideas! Just when something like this makes you start despising the human race, you regain your faith in people by seeing everyone working so hard to try to find this little girl. :beer:

My heart goes out to those poor parents, who must be experiencing their own private hell right now.

I pray that little Maddie is soon reunited, safe and well, with her family. :rose:

[teramiabullfrog]

california is a long way from where Madeleine McCann disappeared; however, volunteers of the Finding Our Children Under Stress (F.O.C.U.S.) Organization printed copies of her flyer, laminated two of them and taped them on the outside windows of our missing child mobile awareness center van, as well as included copies of her flyer in our 3-ring missing child display binder and left them for display in post offices along California's west coast. anyone can help, print a flyer of her from her web page, take it to your local post office and ask the post master or station master to post and display her flyer in the post office lobby, in accordance with the Presidential Memorandum, signed by then President William Clinton on 1/19/96, every building owned or controlled by the federal government is required to maintain a display area for the general public to view missing person notices. nobody knows where this little girl is so as many places her flyer is posted the better. every time we stopped at a post office or store, people crowded around our van to view the laminated flyers (other flyers on the van include the current active amber alert cases as well as the flyers for two missing who's family post here on crimelibrary forum, and several other missing who's family we've been helping distribute and post flyers for, for years). the U.S. has some wonderful federal laws and federal programs to both help find short and long term missing persons as well as to help teach child abduction prevention; unfortunately, most of the laws and programs are not managed at the level of efficiency they were originally intended, instructed, and are annually federal funded; therefore, they are not accomplishing what they were designed to accomplish. We realize Madeleine McCann is not from the U.S.; however, missing children/persons is a global problem and every source of service offered and available to help find a missing person needs to be tapped, she could be anywhere, and everyone, everywhere, should get involved and help bring this child back home to her loved ones. another of those think globally and act locally situations.

[sharlock]

california is a long way from where Madeleine McCann disappeared; however, volunteers of the Finding Our Children Under Stress (F.O.C.U.S.) Organization printed copies of her flyer, laminated two of them and taped them on the outside windows of our missing child mobile awareness center van, as well as included copies of her flyer in our 3-ring missing child display binder and left them for display in post offices along California's west coast. anyone can help, print a flyer of her from her web page, take it to your local post office and ask the post master or station master to post and display her flyer in the post office lobby, in accordance with the Presidential Memorandum, signed by then President William Clinton on 1/19/96, every building owned or controlled by the federal government is required to maintain a display area for the general public to view missing person notices. nobody knows where this little girl is so as many places her flyer is posted the better. every time we stopped at a post office or store, people crowded around our van to view the laminated flyers (other flyers on the van include the current active amber alert cases as well as the flyers for two missing who's family post here on crimelibrary forum, and several other missing who's family we've been helping distribute and post flyers for, for years). the U.S. has some wonderful federal laws and federal programs to both help find short and long term missing persons as well as to help teach child abduction prevention; unfortunately, most of the laws and programs are not managed at the level of efficiency they were originally intended, instructed, and are annually federal funded; therefore, they are not accomplishing what they were designed to accomplish. We realize Madeleine McCann is not from the U.S.; however, missing children/persons is a global problem and every source of service offered and available to help find a missing person needs to be tapped, she could be anywhere, and everyone, everywhere, should get involved and help bring this child back home to her loved ones. another of those think globally and act locally situations.
Hi termiabullfrog,
I have started a thread on CL called "You can help us save our kids. Some ideas on what you can do and advice from posters!". When I read your post I just had to paste it to this thread because I was not aware of some points you made and thought your post was fantastic. I hope you do not mind that I have done this but if you do I will ask FW to remove my post.
Thanks:beer:

[Jayelles]

Thank goodness for people like you guys who offer prayers instead of criticism. I've seen some really vile things posted about this family and can only take comfort from the fact that Kate's Mum says no-one can hurt them more than they are already hurting nor blame them more than they blame themselves.


"Never look down on anybody unless you're helping them up. " - The Reverend Jesse Jackson

[elvislives]

Thank goodness for people like you guys who offer prayers instead of criticism. I've seen some really vile things posted about this family and can only take comfort from the fact that Kate's Mum says no-one can hurt them more than they are already hurting nor blame them more than they blame themselves.


"Never look down on anybody unless you're helping them up. " - The Reverend Jesse Jackson

I couldn't agree more, J. It is very disenchanting that anyone would want to attack this family while they are in such despair. About a week ago someone emailed me a clip of Nancy Grace where she was excoriating these parents for their "negligence" (with a look of utter disgust on her face) and calling for thier arrest!! I lost all respect for Nancy Grace after seeing that. To be insensitive and cruel to the victims of a horrible crime is beyond my comprehension.:mad:

No doubt if the parents had hired an unknown babysitter to watch their children and the sitter harmed the children in some way, people would be critisizing their negligence for leaving their children with a stranger.

I am glad to see that most people on this board understand that the McCanns are the victims of one of the most horrific crimes imaginable and are decent enough to not cruelly add to their suffering.

[elvislives]

I forgot to mention that I was in LAX (Los Angeles International Airport) the other day and saw posters of Madeleine in the international terminal (by Customs). The campaign to make her disappearance public has been very successful on an international scale. I just HOPE HOPE HOPE someone finds her soon. :(

[Mishell1383]

There's always some heartless so-and-so who tries to profit from a tragedy:-

http://news.sky.com/skynews/article/0,,91210-1269093,00.html

Fortunately this one got caught.
It has always boggled my mind, the people that do this. How can someone sleep at night, how can someone be so heartless, how can someone be so... so.... SHALLOW AND COLD!? I do not understand this, I doubt anyone else does too. Thanks for sharing that link Jay, I'm glad she got caught. :cuss:

[Jayelles]

I couldn't agree more, J. It is very disenchanting that anyone would want to attack this family while they are in such despair. About a week ago someone emailed me a clip of Nancy Grace where she was excoriating these parents for their "negligence" (with a look of utter disgust on her face) and calling for thier arrest!! I lost all respect for Nancy Grace after seeing that. To be insensitive and cruel to the victims of a horrible crime is beyond my comprehension.:mad:

No doubt if the parents had hired an unknown babysitter to watch their children and the sitter harmed the children in some way, people would be critisizing their negligence for leaving their children with a stranger.

I am glad to see that most people on this board understand that the McCanns are the victims of one of the most horrific crimes imaginable and are decent enough to not cruelly add to their suffering.

I've stopped reading the threads where the parents are being attacked. I think it would be a rare parent who hadn't had a "Phew" moment with their children. Also, there is a lot of misinformation being posted.

As you say - supposing they'd hired a babysitter (who would have been a local stranger) and something had happened? Many parents make use of baby listening services which are usually offered in these hotels but the service only listens at the door - the McCann's and their friends chose to check the children themselves by going in and actually physically checking them. What they did was MORE than the standard listening service provided.

I've seen some terrible things posted about these parents by people who know nothing about them and it makes me so sad.

On a brighter note, I saw this post yesterday:-

http://www.webbsleuths.org/dcforum/DCForumID38/209.html#26

It's an excellent post.

[Jayelles]

The McCann's cannot bring themselves to leave Portugal and are to stay there for the time being. They feel that this is where Madeline is and don't want to leave her:-

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/tees/6736625.stm

[dallasvic]

The McCann's cannot bring themselves to leave Portugal and are to stay there for the time being. They feel that this is where Madeline is and don't want to leave her:-

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/tees/6736625.stm

I do not think I could leave either. That is were she was last seen and you hope that she shows up near there and I would want to be there also if it were me.

I am headed to light a few candles for Maddy. If you have'nt yet Pleasee do : keep that light shinning for her:)

[imanewsjunkie]

I can't believe there is still no new or leads :-(

[Jayelles]

The parents are obviously running out of steam. They were interviewed today and seemed more broken than I've seen them. I guess the have been kept going over recent weeks with the purpose of raising awareness. Now that they've done their awareness "tour" they have more time to reflect on the fact that there's been no progress. They must also be devastated after the false hope of the phone call whilst they were in germany. This was a phone call from someone who said he knows where Madeline is and wanted to speak directly to the parents. They McCanns cancelled a couple of tv appearances to be ready for the caller to call back, but nothing came of it. The police felt it wasn't a hoax.

It's so terribly sad. I cannot imagine how awful it must be to just "not know".

[Mishell1383]

The parents are obviously running out of steam. They were interviewed today and seemed more broken than I've seen them. I guess the have been kept going over recent weeks with the purpose of raising awareness. Now that they've done their awareness "tour" they have more time to reflect on the fact that there's been no progress. They must also be devastated after the false hope of the phone call whilst they were in germany. This was a phone call from someone who said he knows where Madeline is and wanted to speak directly to the parents. They McCanns cancelled a couple of tv appearances to be ready for the caller to call back, but nothing came of it. The police felt it wasn't a hoax.

It's so terribly sad. I cannot imagine how awful it must be to just "not know".
wait!!? They felt it WASN'T a hoax!?

[Jayelles]

wait!!? They felt it WASN'T a hoax!?

That's right - they felt it wasn't a hoax. I think that has really knocked the McCann's for six. I got the impression that they may have thought there was going to be a ransom demand or something - which was why the McCanns were asked to be on "stand-by" and they ended up missing a couple of tv appearances as a result. However, the caller didn't phone back.

ETA - here is a news article about it:-

http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/news/display.var.1453891.0.maddies_parents_on_alert_ove r_mystery_call.php

[dallasvic]

That's right - they felt it wasn't a hoax. I think that has really knocked the McCann's for six. I got the impression that they may have thought there was going to be a ransom demand or something - which was why the McCanns were asked to be on "stand-by" and they ended up missing a couple of tv appearances as a result. However, the caller didn't phone back.

ETA - here is a news article about it:-

http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/news/display.var.1453891.0.maddies_parents_on_alert_ove r_mystery_call.php
Hi Jay & Everyone,

I was wondering did they say how long after she was abducted that the phone call came? I did not see it in that article or I over looked it.:shrug: I have seen to many cases like this one were they ask for ransom and when they did not call back something went very wrong an the victim was no longer alive. I am hoping and praying that is not the case here.

[dallasvic]

Hi D,

I got the impression the call happened in just the last day or so. I pray that whoever made that call does know where that precious baby is and finds the courage to call again. The McCanns need their daughter and little Maddy needs her parents. This case is just making me heart sick. I cannot imagine the pain and fear that the entire McCann family must be experiencing. Dear God, please give the person(s) who took Maddie the courage and spiritual strength to return her. Please God, just one phone call with a location that will bring that baby back home. Please.

For the McCann Family:rose: For their beautiful little girl, Maddie:rose:
:rose: My HEART & PRAYERS Are With The Family

http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/...l=eng&gi=maddy (http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/...l=eng&gi=maddy)
Thanks Brooke.I was praying with you on that one.

[Mishell1383]

Did anyone else read this news report? http://edition.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/europe/06/13/missing.mccann/
I hope to God it is not true!! Please be a hoax! Maddie you HAVE to be out there somewhere! :rose:

[Mishell1383]

Oh, Mishell! I hope and pray this isn't true! Please let this be a hoax. You are so right, Maddie just HAS to out there, alive, somewhere.

For Maddie:rose:
Brooke, its been so strange, not that I'm giving up hope, but for some reason all this time I have felt that she's still alive, I've always had a feeling she would make it home, I'm still praying she does, and so far, there is no proof this is true! Maddy MAKE IT HOME SAFE HUNNY! WERE WAITING FOR YOU!

[Jayelles]

According to the news on Radio Scotland this morning, the Portugese police are preparing to search an area of scrubland.

If it's a hoax, I really hope they catch the "joker".

[Mishell1383]

http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/europe/06/13/missing.mccann/

why is the media so heartless?

[Zoey]

According to the news on Radio Scotland this morning, the Portugese police are preparing to search an area of scrubland.

If it's a hoax, I really hope they catch the "joker".

They are talking about it tonight on Nancy Grace.

I am like you Jayelles, if it is a hoax, I hope they can nail the sick person that thought this would be funny.

But if it is not, and they find her body...oh, it is just too sad to think about...sorry...tears messed up my eyes and I couldn't see to type. I just don't want to think about another child being murdered.

[Jayelles]

The police have found nothing in the scrubland:-

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6755587.stm

The search was called off hours later and police said no more were planned.

Ch Insp Olegario Sousa, of Portuguese police, told the BBC: "The line of enquiry has now been discarded."

[Mishell1383]

The police have found nothing in the scrubland:-

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6755587.stm
thanks for the update, do you think this is a good thing or a bad thing?

[Jayelles]

thanks for the update, do you think this is a good thing or a bad thing?

I'm glad her body wasn't found because it means she can still be alive.

[Athena]

I'm glad her body wasn't found because it means she can still be alive.

I cetainly hope so. :rose:

[One2Snoop]

Updated: Saturday, 23 June 2007, 14:23 GMT 15:23 UK


More Madeleine sightings reported

The search for Madeleine has been taken to Malta

Police in Malta are investigating two more possible sightings on the island of missing Madeleine McCann.
A spokeswoman said a British man and a local woman had told officers they may have seen the British four-year-old.

It follows a number of other reported sightings of a child resembling Madeleine in the island's capital, Valletta, and five other locations.

Madeleine disappeared from the holiday apartment where she was staying in Praia De Luz, Portugal, on 3 May.

Detectives in Malta are following up claims by a Maltese woman who said she had seen a "look-alike" of Madeleine accompanied by a middle-aged woman near the City Gate in Valletta.

Snip

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/6233344.stm

[Jayelles]

There's been about 6 separate "sightings" in Malta. However, the McCanns don't want to get their hopes up because other "sightings" turned out to be false.

[samanthajane13]

Police Probe Link Between Madeleine and Trafficking Network
Monday, June 25, 2007

Fox News

The abduction of Madeleine McCann may be linked to a trafficking network that sees children put on the market for $14,000, detectives have said.

Officers in France say Eastern European gangs are holding auctions in supermarket parking lots in Portugal and France. They have released details of the trade, as they believe it may be related to the four-year-old's disappearance, a Sky source said.

In one recent case, the mother of a baby boy was arrested for attempting to sell her baby North of Lisbon. In addition, two Romanian couples were arrested in a supermarket parking lot near Bordeaux while attempting to sell a girl.

Madeleine was snatched from her bed in her family's holiday flat in the Portuguese resort of Praia da Luz on May 3.

Shoppers in Monaco have reported seeing a girl of similar age and appearance to the missing child escaping abductors when they attempted to cut off her hair.

Experts have questioned, however, whether child traffickers or a childless couple are behind Madeleine's disappearance, as they would have taken her younger siblings, who were with her at the time.

Younger children are easier to abduct and smuggle, and are easier to 'mold,' experts told Sky.

Meanwhile, the number of reported sightings of Madeleine in Malta has risen to 14, with three new sightings on Saturday.

All 1,800 officers in Monaco have been given a picture of Madeleine while the airport and harbors are on high alert.

CCTV footage is also being checked to see if it shows the child being brought onto the island.

[Mishell1383]

wow thanks for the article. I hope shes foound soon. This is such a sad case. :rose: For Maddie

[sharlock]

Yeah thanks for keeping us up to date I haven't given up hope for this little girl I hope she comes home!

[Jayelles]

Unconfirmed reports that an Italian has been arrested in the Madeleine case in a Spanish town just hours from where she was abducted.

[Mishell1383]

This may seem like an ignorant question, but I am curious, Why would these people that have "sighted" Madeline just report it, I would think one would call 911 and stay on the phone, and try to follow the look-alike until a cop went and found the source of the sighting, and checked out the little girl to see if it was her. Why would they just have reportings?

[Mishell1383]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/6251266.stm

heres the unconfirmed report. Of course they posted it with the cutest picture of her. Shes so adorable what a little gem. :rose:

[Jayelles]

This may seem like an ignorant question, but I am curious, Why would these people that have "sighted" Madeline just report it, I would think one would call 911 and stay on the phone, and try to follow the look-alike until a cop went and found the source of the sighting, and checked out the little girl to see if it was her. Why would they just have reportings?

It's not an ignorant question at all. I wondered the same thing. Of course, we are talking about British people and we are notoriously afraid to get involved in what might turn out to be an embarassing mistake.

A few days ago, I was in the local mall and heading towards the automatic doors to leave the mall. There was a toddler in front of me - wandering towards the door. As the doors opened, he made to step outside and I grabbed him back saying "Don't go outside. Where's Mummy?" He replied "Don't know" and he took my hand. I turned to lead him back into the mall (I was in a terrible rush BTW) and I said "Let's find Mummy". At that point a couple came towards me and said "What's wrong?" I told him I thought the little boy was lost and they said "He's with us and the little boy put his arms up to the woman to get lifted up". The little boy had been walking quite a bit in front of his parents. I felt quite embarassed and hoped no-one would think I had been trying to take him away. You just don't know what to do in a situation like that. He could easily have run out onto a busy road.

I was a bit shaken but I comforted myself with the knowledge that I'm a teacher and in Scotland, teachers have to undergo rigorous police (Disclosure Scotland) and medical checks (i.e. mental health). If anyone had questioned me, they'd probably believe that I was protecting the child rather than doing anything suspicious.

I remember some years ago witnessing a woman finding a lost child in the High Street and she took the little girl by the hand and stood with her in the middle of the precinct so that a parent would spot her easily. Everyone could see that the woman was helping the child and keeping her safe. Suddenly the child's mother came rushing out of a shop and literally snatched the child from the woman! No thanks or anything.

[Hey Paula]

Report of 22 minutes ago:

An Italian man and a Portuguese woman have been arrested in Spain over the suspected kidnapping of Madeleine McCann, according to a Spanish news website.

Chief Inspector Olegario Sousa, from Portuguese police, said he had heard the report from Spanish newspaper El Pais and was trying to verify it.

He added: "I have heard about this and I am trying to check this information with my director."

Spanish newspaper El Mundo also said French police had circulated an international arrest warrant for the Italian

Madeleine's great uncle, Brian Kennedy, said: "We are trying not to get our hopes up too much because they so frequently get dashed."

The family had been cautioned to be "very careful" about reading too much into reports about Madeleine, he added.

But he said they were still welcome because it meant people were still keeping a look out for her and that they had not forgotten about her plight.

It is now 56 days since Madeleine, from Rothley, Leicestershire, went missing from her hotel room in the Portuguese resort Praia da Luz while her parents, Gerry and Kate, were eating in a restaurant just 100 yards away.

Her parents have stayed in Portugal since she disappeared, insisting they will not leave until she is found.

People across Europe should call the international Crimestoppers line on 0044 188 373 1336 or if they are inside the UK 0800 555 111 if they have information.


LINK:

http://uk.news.yahoo.com/itn/20070628/twl-spanish-police-make-madeleine-arrest-41f21e0_3.html

Here is another LINK:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk_news/story/0,,2114302,00.html

[Mishell1383]

It's not an ignorant question at all. I wondered the same thing. Of course, we are talking about British people and we are notoriously afraid to get involved in what might turn out to be an embarassing mistake.

A few days ago, I was in the local mall and heading towards the automatic doors to leave the mall. There was a toddler in front of me - wandering towards the door. As the doors opened, he made to step outside and I grabbed him back saying "Don't go outside. Where's Mummy?" He replied "Don't know" and he took my hand. I turned to lead him back into the mall (I was in a terrible rush BTW) and I said "Let's find Mummy". At that point a couple came towards me and said "What's wrong?" I told him I thought the little boy was lost and they said "He's with us and the little boy put his arms up to the woman to get lifted up". The little boy had been walking quite a bit in front of his parents. I felt quite embarassed and hoped no-one would think I had been trying to take him away. You just don't know what to do in a situation like that. He could easily have run out onto a busy road.

I was a bit shaken but I comforted myself with the knowledge that I'm a teacher and in Scotland, teachers have to undergo rigorous police (Disclosure Scotland) and medical checks (i.e. mental health). If anyone had questioned me, they'd probably believe that I was protecting the child rather than doing anything suspicious.

I remember some years ago witnessing a woman finding a lost child in the High Street and she took the little girl by the hand and stood with her in the middle of the precinct so that a parent would spot her easily. Everyone could see that the woman was helping the child and keeping her safe. Suddenly the child's mother came rushing out of a shop and literally snatched the child from the woman! No thanks or anything.
Your right. That happened to me once, I was in a Target store and this little girl had thrown herself down in a frenzy so I walked over to her seeing no one else was around, I asked "whats wrong hunny?" she was about 3 years old, she said in clear hysterics "I I I can't find my mommy!!!!" I said "ok, no problem we'll find mommy" she took my hand and we went to walk over to the customer service desk so they could page the woman over the loud speaker, but before we got there the woman snatched her up and clearly looked at me and said "what is wrong with you!?" :eek: <-- that was me after she said that, so, she was with, I'm assuming her mother and the little girls grandmother, and the grams said don't take that personally she was frantic. It was like well gee, kind of hard not too!!! But yes I see what you are saying, people are strange, and I always said to myself well it was better I found the girl than some psychopath, but they don't think like that.

Maybe if they stayed quite a distance away and just followed on the phone instead of going up to the "so-called victim?" But than again I'm sure alot of the reports were bogus anyway... sigh! I guess its only a matter of being in the right place at the right time, it is a very tough situation, people get very strange when children are involved. :shrug:

[samanthajane13]

No problem keeping everyone up-dated.

Every few days, I go to www.alltheweb.com, and open it to news, and type in Madeliene's name...just to see if there's anything developing, and if I see anything interesting, I'll bring it here.

I've been busy on the Chris Benoit thing since Monday, and that case is such a train-wreck!!! As a wrestling fan, it's made me nuts to have this happen. I just don't know what to feel or think right now about the whole thing. And my daughter is beside herself. We were VERY big fans...and the whole thing justs hurts.

Why is there so much tragedy???

[samanthajane13]

Madeleine McCann allegedly seen in Gzira

By Maltamedia News
Jun 30, 2007 - 7:17:04 PM

In the past few days, no reports with regards 4-year-old Madeleine McCann were received by the Police. However, on Saturday an anonymous person reported seeing the British girl on the 3rd June 2007 in Bouverie Street in Gzira.

The report said the girl resembling Madeleine was in a pushchair accompanied by a man described as thin and with short hair. However, all Police efforts have all proved fruitless to date.

The Police are continuing their investigations on incoming reports, as well as keeping in touch with foreign services also involved in the case.

Police have been investigating Madeleine sightings since the 27th May when a Maltese national claimed the girl was seen in Valletta in the company of a man one week earlier.

Meanwhile, a few days ago the Portugese police said they are looking into a 'lead' given by Spanish Antonio Toscano, who has described himself as an investigator but who does not work for the police. BBC news reported that Mr Toscano was questioned for two hours. Mr Toscano has claimed for weeks that before Madeleine's disappearance a man called 'the Frenchman', involved in a European paedophile ring, was overhead saying he was coming to the Algarve.

Mr Toscano claims he is certain that this man had been involved in Madeleine's disappearance and from knowledge of the man's methods, he believed that the youngster was still alive. When he originally spoke to police and the McCanns' spokesman by phone several weeks ago, he refused to give details, BBC news reported.

Madeleine's parents, Kate and Gerry have expressed themselves cautious of the sightings. They have been searching for their daughter ever since she went missing from a holiday apartment in Praia da Luz in the Algarve, Portugal on the 3rd May. It is believed that she was kidnapped.



© Copyright 2007 by MaltaMedia.com

[samanthajane13]

Two arrested in Madeleine McCann case

June 28 2007 at 10:38PM

San Roque - Spanish police on Thursday arrested an Italian man and a Portuguese woman for allegedly trying to extort money from the parents of missing British four-year-old Madeleine McCann.

The couple were arrested at San Roque near the southern Spanish port of Algeciras after an investigation launched when police learnt they had contacted Madeleine's parents seeking a reward, the interior ministry said.

Security officers had raided their beachside apartment in the luxury "Sotogrande" block on Thursday morning before blocking it off with police cars, witnesses and neighbours said.

"The facts point to fraudsters although the police investigation has not yet run its course," the interior ministry said in a statement.

Harry Potter author JK Rowling and billionaire Richard Branson are among the celebrities and business leaders who have contributed to a reward fund for information leading to the girl's return that tops £2,5-million (about R36-million).

Madeleine, known as Maddie, disappeared on May 3 from the hotel room where she and her two-year-old twin siblings were sleeping in the southern Portuguese resort town of Praia da Luz while her parents were out dining nearby.

Her disappearance has been given widespread news coverage worldwide with her parents heading an international campaign to keep the case in the public eye and locate her.

Spanish police said they were examining links between the arrested couple and Maddie, but Portuguese and Italian officials said they did not think they were directly connected to her disappearance.

A Portuguese police spokesperson, Olegario Sousa, said the Italian had been arrested after he telephoned a lawyer in the Spanish city of Malaga to say he had information about Maddie's abduction.

The suspect was also understood to be involved in trafficking bogus artwork, the spokesperson added.

Spanish authorities said earlier that the French authorities had issued an international arrest warrant for the man.

Madeleine's parents have visited several countries to keep up their quest to find their daughter and have also set up a website, findmadeleine.com, which has received millions of hits.

Intense efforts by Portuguese authorities have not turned up many leads, despite more than 100 people being interviewed and dozens of searches of flats near where the family where staying.

In recent weeks there have been reported sightings of Maddie in Greece and Morocco.

British citizen Robert Murat, 33, who lives in Praia da Luz near the hotel complex where Madeleine disappeared, was questioned on May 15 but released for lack of evidence without being remanded.

On June 11, Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf reported Madeleine's body had been located near Praia da Luz, but the lead was rapidly revealed to be a hoax, while searches in Morocco have also come to nothing.

About 200 officers, including some from Interpol, Europol and British and Portuguese police, are working on the Madeleine case while Spain is also providing support as she disappeared barely 100km from the border.

Last week Madeleine McCann's parents released 50 balloons on a beach near where she vanished in Portugal to mark 50 days since her disappearance.

Gerry McCann told SIC Noticias television that he wanted to continue the campaign to find his daughter for as long as possible.

Former England football captain David Beckham and Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo have made televised appeals for information about the whereabouts of Madeleine.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Madeleine: Extortion claim in latest arrest

June 29 2007 at 12:10PM

Madrid / Lisbon - Hopes of a breakthrough in the case of Madeleine McCann were fading Friday after Spanish police revealed that a man arrested on Thursday had only wanted to extort money from the 4-year-old girl's parents.

The Italian held in southern Spain did not appear to have a direct connection with Madeleine's disappearance in Portugal on May 3, according to Spanish and Portuguese police.

He was believed to have intended to give Madeleine's parents false information about her whereabouts in the hope of netting the reward, worth millions of euros, promised by a group of people to who would help find her.

The Italian and his Portuguese girlfriend were detained in Sotogrande near the port town of Algeciras. France had issued an arrest warrant for the man, who was reportedly wanted for participating in a plot to kill a judge.

The Italian had earlier served a 18-month prison sentence for ill-treatment of his young daughter.

The arrest warrant had no connection with the Madeleine case.

Portuguese police said they continued investigating the case in which Robert Murat remained the only suspect. The Briton has a residence in the southern holiday resort of Praia da Luz where Madeleine went missing.

The girl was snatched from her bed while her parents were dining in a nearby restaurant. A search operation has been mounted in several countries.

[samanthajane13]

Another alleged sighting of Madeleine McCann
By MaltaMedia News
Jul 5, 2007 - 5:08:55 PM

Police received another report of an alleged sighting of missing 4-year-old British girl Madeleine McCann.
An anonymous caller told police that at around 1330CEST on Thursday, he saw the young girl wearing a helmet and riding a scooter near a roundabout which leads to Mġarr and Ta’ Qali. Police have been investigating numerous alleged sightings of the child in the recent weeks, however all efforts have so far proved fruitless.

Police have been investigating such sightings since the 27th May when a Maltese national claimed the girl was seen in Valletta in the company of a man one week earlier.

She went missing from a holiday apartment in Praia da Luz in the Algarve, Portugal on the 3rd May. It is believed that she was kidnapped.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Another reported sighting of Madeleine in Marsa
By Maltamedia News
Jul 7, 2007 - 7:41:23 PM

Police received another report of an alleged sighting of missing 4-year-old British girl Madeleine McCann in Marsa.
An anonymous caller told the police that at around 1700CEST on Saturday, a young girl resembling Madeleine Mc Cann was accompanied by a dark skinned man in Marsa.

Police have been investigating numerous alleged sightings of the child in the recent weeks, however all efforts have so far proved fruitless.

Police have been investigating such sightings since the 27th May when a Maltese national claimed the girl was seen in Valletta in the company of a man one week earlier.

Madeliene McCann went missing from a holiday apartment in Praia da Luz in the Algarve, Portugal on the 3rd May. It is believed that she was kidnapped.

Police investigations are ongoing.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Man arrested over false Madeleine claims
By Fiona Govan in Praia da Luz
Last Updated: 12:47am BST 07/07/2007

A man claiming to know the whereabouts of Madeleine McCann has been arrested in the Netherlands for attempting to defraud the parents of the missing girl, Dutch prosecutors said yesterday.

Police in Eindhoven arrested the 39-year-old, whose name has not been released, on Wednesday. He had contacted the McCann family claiming to know the identity of the four-year-old's abductors and where she was being held. He demanded a payment of two million euros in return for the information.

The suspect sent the McCanns a series of six emails - the first on June 14 - that were traced to an internet café and an unemployment office, according to police.

At the request of British and Portuguese authorities, Dutch police gave the investigation "the highest priority" and eventually traced the emails to the suspect.

The man claimed to have made up the story because he was "bored" and police are certain he has no information about Madeleine, who was taken from her bed in the Portuguese resort of Praia da Luz on May 3.

"After his arrest the unemployed suspect [said that] out of boredom he had started to play with the feelings of Madeleine's parents," read a statement issued by Dutch authorities yesterday.

"Money was probably his motive although he claims he did not really expect to get it.

"The attempted fraud caused unnecessary distress to the parents. That people get greedy under these circumstances and think they can cash in on the disappearance is totally unacceptable."

Wim de Bruin, a prosecution spokesman, said the man would be charged with attempted fraud, and could face a maximum sentence of four years if convicted.

The arrest follows that of a couple in Sotogrande on the Costa del Sol in Spain nine days ago. Italian Danilo Chemello, 61, and his Portuguese girlfriend Aurora Pereira Vaz, 54, were arrested after approaching a lawyer with claims that they knew where Madeleine was being held.

Gerry McCann, 39, said yesterday that the extortion attempt had been "distressing" and thanked the police forces involved in tracking down the perpetrator of the "outrageous crime".

"This extortion attempt has caused Kate and I considerable distress," he said.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

When is this going to end????

That poor sweet baby needs to be found and brought back to her parents.

:rose: For Maddie's safe return!:rose:

[sharlock]

It cannot end soon enough for Madeleines parents I am sure. It breaks my heart to think of their loss and not knowing owuld be the hardest thing of all!

[Mishell1383]

HE WAS BORED!!! Im so glad that playing with the hopes of parents who cannot find answers to their daughters abduction is means for him to have a good chuckle and fix his boredom. That man deserves .... well we all know what he deserves. GRRRRRR! That makes me so HEATED!



For Maddie! and the McCann family! :rose:

[Athena]

HE WAS BORED!!! Im so glad that playing with the hopes of parents who cannot find answers to their daughters abduction is means for him to have a good chuckle and fix his boredom. That man deserves .... well we all know what he deserves. GRRRRRR! That makes me so HEATED!


For Maddie! and the McCann family! :rose:

ITA Mishell. Sad isn't it that someone could attempt to exploit a family that is grieving for a missing child. Just plain, downright sick. :flamemad:

Thanks Samanthajane... for the updates. Much appreciated. :)

[samanthajane13]

No problem.

[HowardLovedAnna]

Although there hasnt been any real news as such lately Robert Murat was called in for questioning again yesterday and questioned for some 8 hours or slightly more and then released. He has been called in for questioning AGAIN this morning. Also three of the Mccans friends have been called in for questioning regarding there statements on the day Madeleine went missing. At a rough guess there probably the ones who done the checks on the apartment jmo

At least the police seem to be doing something in the case atm at least jmo

[samanthajane13]

THE father of Madeleine McCann yesterday met child abduction experts in the UK to learn about criminal profiling techniques being used in the search for his daughter.

Gerry McCann visited the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP) in London as part of a short trip to the UK.

CEOP has been playing a high-profile role in the investigation into Madeleine's abduction, providing crucial expertise to Portuguese detectives.

The organisation launched a mass trawl of holiday snaps gathered from members of the public who were in the Algarve around 3 May, the time of Madeleine's abduction, checking bystanders' features against biometric facial maps of known offenders.

Dr McCann said today: "We believe that the police are doing everything in their power to find our daughter.

"Today, I found out more about some of the techniques used to profile abductors of children.

"Kate and I hope this will help us understand more about investigations."

Last updated: 14-Jul-07 02:21 BST

[samanthajane13]

By Fiona Govan in Praia da Luz
Last Updated: 3:21am BST 13/07/2007

Friends of the family of Madeleine McCann have confronted the man described by police as the "formal suspect" in the case of the missing four-year-old in an extraordinary meeting arranged by Portuguese detectives.

They were called to police headquarters in Portimao to face Robert Murat with claims that they saw a man near the McCanns' apartment in Praia da Luz on the night she was abducted.

Mr Murat, 33, a British expatriate, has always insisted that he was at home with his mother when Madeleine was taken on May 3 and maintains that he only learnt about her disappearance the following morning when he joined in the search.

Fiona Payne, 34, from Leicester, and Russell O'Brien, 36, from Exeter, both doctors, and another friend, Rachael Oldfield, 36, formed part of the group which dined with Kate and Gerry McCann in a nearby tapas restaurant on the night their daughter was snatched from the room she shared with her two-year-old siblings, twins Sean and Amelie.

The three flew to Portugal earlier this week at the request of the police.

They were asked to meet Mr Murat face to face in an interview room at the police station in an attempt to establish whether Mr Murat could have been the man they saw.

A police source said: "It is normal in Portugal for the two sides to be brought together to try and find the truth.

"This is what happened on Wednesday," the source told local media.

The three family friends left the police station after two hours. But Mr Murat was questioned for a total of six hours before leaving with his status unchanged.

Mr Murat, a former estate agent who lives with his mother Jenny, 71, in a villa less than 100 yards from the apartment where Madeleine, of Rothley, Leics, was taken was officially made an "arguido", a formal suspect in the case, on May 15.

He became involved in the search for Madeleine the morning after her abduction and was hired by police to act as a translator in the early stages of the investigation.

He strenuously denies any involvement in her disappearance.

The McCanns have refused to discuss the investigation into Madeleine's disappearance saying only that they have been assured by police that everything is being done to find their daughter.

However, Mr McCann, in his blog, commented on his friends' visit to the police station. "The Portuguese police interviewed three of our friends again, to clarify points in their initial statements," he wrote.

"We would like to give more information, especially about inaccurate and hurtful reports, but cannot for fear of prejudicing any subsequent court proceedings.

"The Portuguese police have made it clear to us that all witnesses should not divulge or discuss the information they have provided. Kate and I are, of course, not party to all of the information coming into the inquiry for sound operational reasons."

[samanthajane13]

Gerry's anguish 10 weeks on
By Martin Fricker
14 July 2007

MADELEINE McCann's dad has marked the passing of 10 weeks since she vanished by issuing a new plea to the public to help find her.

Glasgow-born Gerry McCann said: "No child should be separated from their family in such circumstances."

Writing in his weblog, Gerry, 39, added: "It is 10 weeks since Madeleine was abducted and every day has been incredibly hard for our family.

"The overwhelming messages of support, thoughts and prayers really help us stay strong.

"Somebody, somewhere knows where Madeleine is and it may take a single phone call for her to be found. We will not give up searching for her."

Gerry, a doctor, attended the National Police Federation Annual Bravery awards on Thursday night, where Prince Charles was also a guest.


The young heart specialist received a standing ovation from the audience, which he described as a "humbling experience".


Yesterday, Gerry met officers at the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre to learn more about their work.


He said: "We want to work closely with the police and child welfare organisations to help us keep awareness of Madeleine's and other children's disappearance high."


Madeleine, four, was abducted from the McCanns' holiday apartment in the Portuguese resort of Praia da Luz on May 3. Police are expected to continue re-interviewing witnesses next week.


Gerry and wife Kate have vowed to stay in Portugal until Madeleine is found.

[samanthajane13]

Friends of Madeleine McCann's family have launched a new campaign to raise awareness of the missing toddler.
Neighbours of Madeleine's aunt have designed special luggage labels featuring her picture and police contact details.

Jacqueline McKernan and Elaine Doyle hope their campaign will keep the search for Madeleine in the public eye.

The tags are available at travel agents in Clydebank and Dumbarton and at West Dunbartonshire Council offices.

Jacqueline McKernan, a council customer services assistant, said: "They are very distinctive and we hope people will take a tag to tie onto their luggage when going on holiday over the next few weeks.

"We need to keep the search for Madeleine alive by continuing to raise awareness and promote her image abroad."


Last Updated: Thursday, 12 July 2007, 15:06 GMT 16:06 UK

[Jayelles]

Friends of Madeleine McCann's family have launched a new campaign to raise awareness of the missing toddler.
Neighbours of Madeleine's aunt have designed special luggage labels featuring her picture and police contact details.

Jacqueline McKernan and Elaine Doyle hope their campaign will keep the search for Madeleine in the public eye.

The tags are available at travel agents in Clydebank and Dumbarton and at West Dunbartonshire Council offices.

Jacqueline McKernan, a council customer services assistant, said: "They are very distinctive and we hope people will take a tag to tie onto their luggage when going on holiday over the next few weeks.

"We need to keep the search for Madeleine alive by continuing to raise awareness and promote her image abroad."


Last Updated: Thursday, 12 July 2007, 15:06 GMT 16:06 UK

That's a really good idea about the luggage tags. We will be travelling soon so I think I'll send off for these tags. There are Madeleine posters in the most unexpected places. Last week we went sailing and her poster was in the window of a tiny shop in a remote little village.

There was a piece in yesterday's Daily Mail about the interview with the parents' friends and Robert Murat saying that it is normal Portugese practice to bring material witnesses and suspects face to face.

[writefx]

I'm following the story in all the papers every day and read things that I could have never predicted.

Yet they all seem to have been red herrings.

I can't imagine what has really happened.

[samanthajane13]

Who ever did this, they NEED to be caught. They're really disturbed to be doing this type of thing in the first place, and to torture Maddie's family-and possibly Maddie-is disgusting.

SOMEONE must know-or suspect-something. A friend, neighbor or familt member-and they NEED to come forward with the info they have.

Little girls don't just disappear with someone and not need food, etc.

And all the random sightings are scary-it's like they're taunting law enforcement...

[Jayelles]

Gerry McCann is flying to the States to meet experts at both the National and International Centres for Missing and Exploited Children. :-

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6910481.stm

"I am going to the USA to meet experts at both the National and International Centres for Missing and Exploited Children.

"We want to work closely with the police and child welfare agencies in maintaining the profile of Madeleine's and other children's disappearance."

He added: "We hope our efforts will help make the world a little bit safer for all children. Kate and I believe there is a strong, public feeling that crimes against children, wherever they may occur, are totally unacceptable."

[Jayelles]

I haven't quite gotten my head around this one, but I *think* JK Rowling has sponsored a poster campaign linking Madeleine's appearance with the release of her latest book:-

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6901845.stm

Ms Rowling said she hoped thousands of people around the world will see the missing girl's image as they queue for their copy of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

[elvislives]

I haven't quite gotten my head around this one, but I *think* JK Rowling has sponsored a poster campaign linking Madeleine's appearance with the release of her latest book:-

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6901845.stm

Jay, I read this same thing, BUT I was in the grocery store yesterday and they had a huge Harry Potter display with the new book and the promotional posters. I didn't see anything on those posters that referenced Madeliene's disappearance :confused:

But I am in the US, maybe they have different posters for Europe?

[Jayelles]

Jay, I read this same thing, BUT I was in the grocery store yesterday and they had a huge Harry Potter display with the new book and the promotional posters. I didn't see anything on those posters that referenced Madeliene's disappearance :confused:

But I am in the US, maybe they have different posters for Europe?

I don't know Elvis. We ordered our copy of HP from Amazon! I'll be in town on Thurday and will have a look then.

[samanthajane13]

24.07.07

The father of missing Madeleine McCann was yesterday forced to defend his decision to leave his daughter alone on the night she was snatched.

Gerry McCann was grilled by American TV networks about why he and his wife Kate did not hire a babysitter to watch their three children as they dined with friends.

Gerry, 39, is in the States on a fact-finding mission to see how they deal with the issue of child abduction and exploitation - as well as publicise Madeleine's case.

Madeliene was abducted 83 days ago as she slept in her bed at the Ocean Club resort in Praia da Luz, Portugal. Yesterday her father conducted a string of TV interviews with ABC, CNN and CBS.

Speaking on ABC's Good Morning America, the heart consultant said: "We were dining 50 yards away and we could see the apartment from where we were. It's like we were sat in our back garden, all be it at the end of our garden.

"The kids were sound asleep and they were being checked regularly. We didn't think we needed a babysitter. "We are good parents and what we did felt perfectly reasonable at the time.

"Hindsight is an incredible thing. Clearly we couldn't have predicted what was to happen."

He was also quizzed about the possibility he and GP Kate, also 39, could be prosecuted for leaving Madeleine and two year old twins Sean and Amelie alone in the apartment that night.

He told CNN: "We have been assured by the authorities that what we did fell well within the boundaries of good parenting.

"Madeleine was targeted by a predator and we shouldn't have to be worrying about people getting into our homes and gardens and playgrounds. That is the real criminal act here."

Gerry yesterday (Tue) visited the White House to meet with senior staff of First Lady Laura Bush.

Mrs Bush has taken a personal interest in Madeleine's case but was unable to meet Gerry because of prior commitments.

Gerry has already met US Attorney General Alberto Gonzales in Washington to discuss efforts to tackle child abduction.

He also met experts from the National and International Centres for Missing and Exploited Children.

He said: "Obviously my focus just now is on trying to get our daughter back. That's the key thing.

"But I think there is a lot of goodwill out there at the minute, that we might be able to leave something tangible for all children, and I think most people agree that these sorts of crimes should not happen and the perpetrators have to be pursued wherever these crimes are performed."

Mr McCann is on four-day fact-finding visit to the US to find out about America's "more advanced systems" to track down missing children.

"She knows very much that we love her and we won't stop searching for her."

Gerry McCann has taken his search for Madeleine from US daytime TV all the way to the White House.

He is said to be convinced that the high-profile campaign to find his daughter Madeleine could also help other missing children

The 39-year-old heart specialist is in America on his global crusade publicising the four-year-old's disappearance from a holiday apartment in Portugal at the beginning of May.

He has already met US Attorney General Alberto Gonzales in Washington to discuss efforts to tackle child abduction.

He also met experts from the National and International Centres for Missing and Exploited Children.

"Obviously my focus just now is on trying to get our daughter back. That's the key thing.

"But I think there is a lot of goodwill out there at the minute, that we might be able to leave something tangible for all children, and I think most people agree that these sorts of crimes should not happen and the perpetrators have to be pursued wherever these crimes are performed."

Mr McCann is on four-day fact-finding visit to the US to find out about America's "more advanced systems" to track down missing children.

He and his wife, Kate, have mounted a vigorous campaign to find Madeleine since she disappeared from the apartment in the holiday resort of Praia da Luz.

"She knows very much that we love her and we won't stop searching for her."

Madeleine McCann has been missing since May 3.

The National and International Centres for Missing and Exploited Children were established in 1984 and 1998 respectively after six-year-old Adam Walsh was murdered after being snatched from a department store in Florida in 1981.

The case led to a major review of child abduction cases in the US and legislation passed last year - the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act - was named in his honour.

The Act significantly strengthens America's nationwide sex offender registration system and introduces harsher penalties for child sex offenders.

[samanthajane13]

By MaltaMedia News
Jul 25, 2007 - 4:37:52 PM


Malta is on the front line again in the case of missing Madeleine McCann. Detectives are in fact pursuing a new theory that the four-year-old may have been smuggled out of Portugal on a boat. International newspapers are now focusing on the possibility that the case might indeed have a connection with Malta.

Over the past weeks, Maltese police have been investigating various alleged local sightings. The latest reports led to police to Marsa, Xemxija and Gzira. However, they have proved fruitless.

On Wednesday, The Daily Express reported that detectives are working on the smuggling theory after uncovering details of the escape route the youngster's kidnapper is believed to have taken. The suspect was seen rushing towards the seafront in the Algarve holiday resort of Praia da Luz.

On Saturday, the newspaper told how a witness saw a man dashing past the tiny Nossa Senhora church in Praia da Luz on the day Maddie was kidnapped. Police are treating this sighting as "significant" thus conolidating the theory of the kidnapper's escape by sea.

From there, kidnappers could have sailed to another part of Europe or North Africa.

The police followed reports last month that a girl resembling Madeleine was seen being taken on to the yacht of a wealthy Arab family in Malta, The Daily Express said.

Meanwhile, The National Alledger reported that a young girl who looked like Madeleine McCann was reportedly spotted on a yacht earlier in the search for the young girl.

"At the time several people contacted the police to report the sightings. Some were so convinced that girl was Madeleine that they tried to approach the yacht but were blocked from getting near the yeacht by security guards," it said.

The National Alledger questions whether the yacht made it to Malta and why the boat was never searched by the authorities.

[Mishell1383]

24.07.07

The father of missing Madeleine McCann was yesterday forced to defend his decision to leave his daughter alone on the night she was snatched.

Gerry McCann was grilled by American TV networks about why he and his wife Kate did not hire a babysitter to watch their three children as they dined with friends.

Gerry, 39, is in the States on a fact-finding mission to see how they deal with the issue of child abduction and exploitation - as well as publicise Madeleine's case.

Madeliene was abducted 83 days ago as she slept in her bed at the Ocean Club resort in Praia da Luz, Portugal. Yesterday her father conducted a string of TV interviews with ABC, CNN and CBS.

Speaking on ABC's Good Morning America, the heart consultant said: "We were dining 50 yards away and we could see the apartment from where we were. It's like we were sat in our back garden, all be it at the end of our garden.

"The kids were sound asleep and they were being checked regularly. We didn't think we needed a babysitter. "We are good parents and what we did felt perfectly reasonable at the time.

"Hindsight is an incredible thing. Clearly we couldn't have predicted what was to happen."

He was also quizzed about the possibility he and GP Kate, also 39, could be prosecuted for leaving Madeleine and two year old twins Sean and Amelie alone in the apartment that night.

He told CNN: "We have been assured by the authorities that what we did fell well within the boundaries of good parenting.

"Madeleine was targeted by a predator and we shouldn't have to be worrying about people getting into our homes and gardens and playgrounds. That is the real criminal act here."

Gerry yesterday (Tue) visited the White House to meet with senior staff of First Lady Laura Bush.

Mrs Bush has taken a personal interest in Madeleine's case but was unable to meet Gerry because of prior commitments.

Gerry has already met US Attorney General Alberto Gonzales in Washington to discuss efforts to tackle child abduction.

He also met experts from the National and International Centres for Missing and Exploited Children.

He said: "Obviously my focus just now is on trying to get our daughter back. That's the key thing.

"But I think there is a lot of goodwill out there at the minute, that we might be able to leave something tangible for all children, and I think most people agree that these sorts of crimes should not happen and the perpetrators have to be pursued wherever these crimes are performed."

Mr McCann is on four-day fact-finding visit to the US to find out about America's "more advanced systems" to track down missing children.

"She knows very much that we love her and we won't stop searching for her."

Gerry McCann has taken his search for Madeleine from US daytime TV all the way to the White House.

He is said to be convinced that the high-profile campaign to find his daughter Madeleine could also help other missing children

The 39-year-old heart specialist is in America on his global crusade publicising the four-year-old's disappearance from a holiday apartment in Portugal at the beginning of May.

He has already met US Attorney General Alberto Gonzales in Washington to discuss efforts to tackle child abduction.

He also met experts from the National and International Centres for Missing and Exploited Children.

"Obviously my focus just now is on trying to get our daughter back. That's the key thing.

"But I think there is a lot of goodwill out there at the minute, that we might be able to leave something tangible for all children, and I think most people agree that these sorts of crimes should not happen and the perpetrators have to be pursued wherever these crimes are performed."

Mr McCann is on four-day fact-finding visit to the US to find out about America's "more advanced systems" to track down missing children.

He and his wife, Kate, have mounted a vigorous campaign to find Madeleine since she disappeared from the apartment in the holiday resort of Praia da Luz.

"She knows very much that we love her and we won't stop searching for her."

Madeleine McCann has been missing since May 3.

The National and International Centres for Missing and Exploited Children were established in 1984 and 1998 respectively after six-year-old Adam Walsh was murdered after being snatched from a department store in Florida in 1981.

The case led to a major review of child abduction cases in the US and legislation passed last year - the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act - was named in his honour.

The Act significantly strengthens America's nationwide sex offender registration system and introduces harsher penalties for child sex offenders.

Thank you for posting this samanthajane!

I knew he was going to get scrutiny for leaving the three children in the hotel room when he came here. Its all anyone is talking about majorly about the case. However, i don't see why focusing on the fact that they weren't directly in the room or had a babysitter is any relevance at all. Also, I think if people stopped focusing on that fact than we could focus on better more important things such as finding Madeline. 83 days is a very long time for any child to be away from their family.

May Madeline be found safe and sound, and soon. :rose:

imo

[samanthajane13]

By Martin Fricker 23/07/2007

THOUSANDS of yellow ribbons are to be removed from a war memorial in the home village of missing Madeleine McCann.

But her great-uncle said it was not a sign the family had lost hope for the four-year-old who disappeared 81 days ago.

Brian Kennedy said: "We're not removing them because we're giving up the search but we think it's time to move on a bit."

AdvertisementMr Kennedy, 68, a retired head teacher, said trees around the village of Rothley, Leics, would soon have fresh ribbons tied around their trunks.

The lantern by the gates to the memorial would remain and be lit every night as a "symbol of hope".

He said: "We want to keep Madeleine in everybody's thoughts but we feel we must slowly begin to return to normality."

Toys and messages were removed weeks ago before being cleaned and sent to children's charities.

Madeleine's dad Gerry, 39, arrived in Washington DC last night as part of the campaign to highlight her disappearance.

[samanthajane13]

Madeleine McCann, 4, Last Seen In Praia da Luz, Portugal, In May
ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 24, 2007

(CBS/AP) After his 4-year-old daughter, Madeleine McCann, mysteriously vanished 82 days ago while on a family in vacation in Portugal, Gerry McCann has been traveling around the world to find her.

McCann, who is British, stopped in the United States to visit the Center for Missing and Exploited Children. He said he believes she was taken from the resort by either boat or car and could have possibly crossed into Spain.

"And of course then we're faced very difficult possibility of tracking her internationally," he told The Early Show co-anchor Julie Chen. "But she could still be in Portugal."

Madeleine disappeared May 3 after her parents left her and her brother and sister, 2-year-old twins, alone in their room while they went to a restaurant inside their hotel complex in Praia da Luz, a tiny resort town in Portugal's Algarve region.

Police have received countless tip-offs in the last two months, and the girl's parents have launched an international campaign to find her, enlisting the aid of celebrities such as soccer star David Beckham and J.K. Rowling, author of the "Harry Potter" books. McCann said the publicity has generated many reported sightings.

"There have been sightings as far away from Guatemala," he said. "There does appear to be thousands, if not millions, of people who are clearly aware and looking for Madeleine."

McCann said the support of people around the world has helped him and his family cope.

"The fact that so many people want to help find Madeleine," he said. "It does encourage us. But you can understand, the only thing that will make us really happy is getting Madeleine back safe and well."

Last month, Spanish police arrested an Italian man and a Portuguese woman with possible links to Madeleine's disappearance. Spanish television news reported that the man may have tried to extort money from McCann's parents, offering information about their daughter's whereabouts, though police did not confirm that.

The man was detained on an international arrest warrant originating in France, a police spokeswoman said. She said the warrant itself had nothing to do with the McCann case, but would not elaborate or say what made police suspect him in the missing girl case.

The woman was detained due to her association with the man, and there was no warrant for her arrest, the spokeswoman said. She did not identify either suspect by name, saying the investigation was ongoing.

The man and woman both were arrested in Sotogrande, a town in the southern Spanish province of Cadiz, the spokeswoman said, speaking on condition of anonymity in line with police rules.

[Jayelles]

Thank you for posting this samanthajane!

I knew he was going to get scrutiny for leaving the three children in the hotel room when he came here. Its all anyone is talking about majorly about the case. However, i don't see why focusing on the fact that they weren't directly in the room or had a babysitter is any relevance at all. Also, I think if people stopped focusing on that fact than we could focus on better more important things such as finding Madeline. 83 days is a very long time for any child to be away from their family.

May Madeline be found safe and sound, and soon. :rose:

imo

I wouldn't say it's not relevant because I think it would be fair to say that things would probably be different had they made a different decision that night (perhaps another child would be missing now?), but the fact is that they did what countless other European parents do on holiday -which is to settle the kids down for the evening and then go back down to the bar or restaurant taking it in turns to check on the kids.

As I've said before, hotels often offer a "baby-listening" service which involves having a member of staff patrol the hotel or complex listening for a crying child. This is terribly common and has been offered by probably every hotel we've ever stayed in on holiday. We used it once. Babysitting services are also offered but these are not usually provided by the hotel but would rather involve the hotel putting the parents in touch with a local freelance babysitter - i.e. a complete stranger. The McCanns chose a middle option - they chose not to leave their children with a complete stranger and not to use a baby listening service (which doesn't actually involve going into the apartment and check on the children).

Their decision to go to the tapas bar and to check on their sleeping children at intervals will haunt them for the rest of their lives, but I think that beating them up it up for it serves no useful purpose. What's done is done and IMO, we should focus on getting Maddie back. I'm sure that many lessons have been learned from this.

[samanthajane13]

Last updated at 15:54pm on 25th July 2007

A mother who scolded her tantrum-throwing daughter in a shop was outraged to be visited at home by police who told her it was inappropriate to reprimand the girl in the light of Madeleine McCann's disappearance.

Ruth Ball was at home when police officers knocked at her door and and ticked her off about the way she had chastised four-year-old Leigha.

The 24-year-old was told that the method she had used to reprimand Leigha was "inappropriate" in the light of Madeleine's disappearance from her family's holiday apartment in Portugal.

Ms Ball was at a newsagent in Dunstable, Bedfordshire, when Leigha started screaming after being refused sweets.

She swept her daughter out of the shop and put her in the car to calm down, standing a couple of feet away with her three-year-old son Jack.

A few minutes later she got into the car and drove the family home, thinking no more of it.

The following day a policeman visited her at her home in Luton to tell her off.

The officer said it was inadvisable to shout at her daughter and shut her in the car after what happened to missing Madeleine.

Ms Ball, who works as a care assistant, said: "I'm deeply sorry for what has happened to Madeleine, but why should I let my daughter get away with things because she was abducted?

"I am trying to raise two decent human beings, even though I have been advised by the police to let them run riot, turn into thugs and help keep the prison population going when they're older.

"Kids learn young. If they learn now that kicking, hitting and screaming gets what they want, what are they going to do when they're adults?"

Ms Ball added that she was shocked that somebody had taken down her numberplate and called police - but even more shocked that officers had visited her at home.

Ms Ball said: "Even the police officer said he didn't see the point in him being here. He had to come and show his face and tell me not to tell her off."

The force has been involved in various scandals and gaffes, including three in the space of a fortnight in May last year.

First, an elderly farmer was seized by armed police and thrown in a cell after - quite legally - firing a warning shot at a dog that was threatening his lambs.

Then it emerged four police officers had resigned after giving remand prisoners special favours - including sexual liaisons with girlfriends - in exchange for false confessions.

Days later, the force was criticised when a private school headmaster was found dead shortly after officers sent letters to parents asking if they had any 'concerns' about him. No arrest had been made at the time.

In 2004, a dangerous driving case collapsed at crown court because the arresting officer was teaching golf in Spain on a five-year career break.

A spokesman for Bedfordshire Police said: "We received a call from a member of the public concerned for the safety of a young girl she had seen being put into a car.

"We attended the address of the owner and it transpired that the child, who was happy with no injuries, had been put in the car after having a tantrum.

"If Ms Ball is concerned with what happened or what was said, she is very welcome to contact us."

+++++++++++++++++++++++++

Now we can't discipline our kids just becuase some sick SOB has kidnapped Maddie??

It makes me wonder...if OUR child were kidnapped, would we have the international spotlight on our child's case??

I doubt it. I think that because Maddie's parents were both doctors, and the kidnapping occurred in such a strange way, they're getting preferential treatment.

EVERY LOST, MISSING, OR KIDNAPPED CHILD DESERVES THIS KIND OF SEARCH AND PUBLICITY!!!

If it were OUR child, we would probably be held as accessories to the kidnapping because we enabled the SOB by leavng the child alone.

We wouldn't have govenment officials falling all over us to help find our child.

We'd be sitting in jail for child neglect, endangerment, and a host of other crimes.

No disrespect intended. JMHO

:rose: FIND MADDIE!! :rose:

[samanthajane13]

22.07.07

The parents of missing Madeleine McCann have been the victims of a Portuguese smear campaign over their decision to leave their three children alone in their holiday apartment.

According to reports, a whispering campaign has begun in Portugal accusing Gerry and Kate McCann of neglect after they left the toddler and her twin brother and sister in the apartment at the resort at Praia da Luz on May 3.

The campaign is being fuelled by activity on internet chatrooms and in the Portuguese press, the Sunday Express claims.

The couple had been dining at a tapas restaurant with friends on the night Madeleine disappeared and were taking turns to leave the table to check on their children.

The Sunday Express said the couple have been "outraged" by the complaints and had taken legal advice.

The McCanns' spokeswoman, Justine McGuinness, said: "If they could turn back time there are things that they might have done differently, with the benefit of hindsight.

"But it is impossible to say whether, had there been an adult in the apartment at the time of the abduction, it would have stopped a predator."

Madeleine's father is due to arrive in America today for a four-day visit to learn about the work of specialist agencies who help prevent child abductions and sexual abuse, as well as legislation that has strengthened U.S. laws against child sex offenders.

"After visiting the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre in London, I wanted to understand better the work that is being carried out across the world to reduce child abductions," he said.

"I am going to the USA to meet experts at both the National and International Centres for Missing and Exploited Children.

"We want to work closely with the police and child welfare agencies in maintaining the profile of Madeleine's and other children's disappearance."

The latest exercise in keeping four-year-old Madeleine's face in hearts and minds is related to the latest Harry Potter book. Her poster is being displayed at booksellers in more than 200 countries alongside the final instalment of the boy wizard's adventures, Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows.

However, thousands of yellow ribbons tied to a war memorial in Madeleine's home village as a symbol of hope are going to be removed.

Her great-uncle Brian Kennedy said the railings around the memorial in Rothley, Leicestershire, would be stripped of ribbons by August 1.

He added: "We are not giving up the search but we think the time has come to move on a bit."


++++++++++++++++++

I am by no means saying that they deserved to lose Maddie, or that Maddie deserved to be kidnapped, but how can you leave children alone ANYWHERE these days-let alone in a foreign country-to go to dinner??

I'm sure they wouldn't leave their kids alone at home, and run to the corner store for a loaf of bread, let alone take turns checking on them while they sit in a restaurant.

They'd have hired a SITTER!!

[samanthajane13]

Jul 23 2007
by David Bartlett, Liverpool Daily Post


THE Liverpool grandmother of missing toddler Madeleine McCann last night told of the family’s anguish over reports her daughter could face charges for leaving their three children alone.

Susan Healy, of Mossley Hill, said Kate and Gerry McCann found claims an inquiry into whether they should be charged for leaving their children alone on the night Madeleine vanished was being set up as “very upsetting”.

It was reported that Crown Prosecution Service lawyers were having “high level informal discussions” to see whether any offence had been committed.

The CPS was said to have had complaints from members of the public about the McCanns’ conduct in leaving Madeleine and two-year-old twins Sean and Amelie while they had a meal. Gerry and Kate McCann have said they checked on the children regularly while having dinner at a nearby Tapas bar, on the night the four-year-old was snatched from a holiday apartment in the Algarve resort of Praia da Luz.

The report said lawyers were keen to establish why the parents did not leave anyone to babysit despite the resort offering free child care.

But a spokesman from the CPS yesterday said there was no truth in the reports, as the search for Madeleine reached its 80th day.

Mrs Healy said: “It’s just so stupid, we don’t know why they printed it. Obviously it’s upsetting for Kate and Gerry to read stuff like that.”

Meanwhile, pressure is mounting for a Europe-wide database of missing children.

North West Euro MP, and Labour leader in the European Parliament Gary Titley has written to EU Justice Commissioner Franco Frattini seeking figures for the number of children who are seized in the EU every year, often for sexual exploitation.

Gerry McCann was also due in the USA to learn about specialist agencies which work to prevent child abductions.

He is scheduled to meet US Attorney General Alberto Gonzales.

++++++++++++++++++

Welcome to the real world-where people are held accountable for their actions.

Money, privilege and friends can't take away the fact that the McCanns made a HUGE mistake.

It's just so very sad that Maddie had to be taken.

:rose: FIND MADDIE!!! :rose:

[samanthajane13]

"Would it be possible to keep this thread for prayers and news updates? "

I'm not trying to antagonize here-the last thing I want is a fight over this or anything else.

The articles I've been posting ARE news updates.

Yes-I did add my opinion at the end of some of the articles, but I didn't realize that was a problem.

Also-some of the articles themselves are critical of the McCanns' actions. Would you rather have only the news that supports the McCanns or ALL the news?

When I've searched out other article for this thread, people thanked me.

Just tell me what types of articles you want, and if I'm allowed to voice my opinion.

Sometimes, we're faced with sharing ALL the facts-not just the ones we like or the popular ones that make everyone happy. I had to apply the same rule to myself when I posted on the Chris Benoit thread. I posted anything I could find-GOOD or BAD-because both sides deserved to be heard-even when the truth broke my heart or I got a tongue lashing for my thoughts.

Anything less is censorship.

JMHO

[samanthajane13]

Jayelles-

It seems that we posted over-lapping messages, and I didn't see yours until I'd written and posted mine.

I DO PRAY FOR MADDIE-EVERY NIGHT. And I'll continue to do so.

I hope they catch the person or persons who did this horrible thing, and I pray to God that Maddie is still alive and she's returned to her family.

To make everyone happy, I won't be posting on the Maddie boards anymore.

[Mishell1383]

Jayelles-

It seems that we posted over-lapping messages, and I didn't see yours until I'd written and posted mine.

I DO PRAY FOR MADDIE-EVERY NIGHT. And I'll continue to do so.

I hope they catch the person or persons who did this horrible thing, and I pray to God that Maddie is still alive and she's returned to her family.

To make everyone happy, I won't be posting on the Maddie boards anymore.
I like your updates, they keep me updated. and I think (not to speak for jayelles) But maybe it was the opinions after the News updates that were harsh?

[Jayelles]

Jayelles-

It seems that we posted over-lapping messages, and I didn't see yours until I'd written and posted mine.

I DO PRAY FOR MADDIE-EVERY NIGHT. And I'll continue to do so.

I hope they catch the person or persons who did this horrible thing, and I pray to God that Maddie is still alive and she's returned to her family.

To make everyone happy, I won't be posting on the Maddie boards anymore.

Well that certainly wouldn't make me happy - I'm sure others will feel the same. No-one is asking you to sop posting at all. I appreciate the news updates which are about case developments. Why don't you start another thread in this forum to express any negative opinions which you may have about the parents and we can keep this one for those of us who want to follow developments without criticising the parents?

This is the only thread I've found which has been free from criticism of the parents and I know there are others who follow this thread because of that. However I am more than willing to go with the majority flow.

[Jayelles]

I like your updates, they keep me updated. and I think (not to speak for jayelles) But maybe it was the opinions after the News updates that were harsh?

Yes Mishell - that was all. This thread has been unique in the respect that there has been no harsh criticism of the family.

[elvislives]

Hi Samanthajane,

I certainly hope you will continue to post here and keep all of us updated on the Maddie news. I come to this forum primarily to check out this thread since this story has fallen off the radar screen where I live. I am sure there are many others who appreciate your updates too, so please stick around.

I think there is a lot of sensitivity here at CL at criticism towards Maddie's parents since most of us here are Victims Advocates and the McCanns are certainly victims of a horrific crime.

I think it is also important to note that there are some cultural differences here too. I see you are from NY, and being American it is hammered into our heads on a daily basis that children are vulnerable. We have Amber Alerts, Jessica's Law, Three Strikes Laws (Polly's Law), and the ever-present John Walsh to remind us daily of the horrors of child predators. Most responsible American parents would never leave their children unattended.

But the rest of the world is different. We recently had an incident here where a European mother was issued a citation for leaving her infant unattended in a stroller parked outside a clothing store while she shopped inside. The weather was beautiful and the baby was sleeping so in HER mind (which has not been impacted with daily child abduction stories) this was a perfectly reasonable choice. Local moms thought this was horrible. But she was an intelligent, responsible and articulate woman who just had a different outlook (a naive one by American standards) on child safety.

Keep in mind that John Walsh's wife left Adam unattended in an arcade while she shopped nearby. At that time (1970s FLorida) that was not considered at all neglegent.

So I think its important to remember that the McCanns made a decision that they thought was okay (remember that hiring an unknown sitter in a foreign country carries its own risks and the baby listening service would not have made a difference). And Maddie apparently was targeted by a predator so he could easily have waited to snatch her at any moment when her parents turned their backs.

Anyway I hope you don't feel you are being attacked for being critical of the parents. Clearly the McCanns made mistakes like we all do but the criminal in this case is the monster who snatched Madeliene, not her parents. And many of us parents have the feeling that "There by the grace of God go I"...

Again I sincerely hope you will not desert this thread as I really appreciate your input. EL

[sharlock]

By MaltaMedia News
Jul 25, 2007 - 4:37:52 PM


Malta is on the front line again in the case of missing Madeleine McCann. Detectives are in fact pursuing a new theory that the four-year-old may have been smuggled out of Portugal on a boat. International newspapers are now focusing on the possibility that the case might indeed have a connection with Malta.

The suspect was seen rushing towards the seafront in the Algarve holiday resort of Praia da Luz.

On Saturday, the newspaper told how a witness saw a man dashing past the tiny Nossa Senhora church in Praia da Luz on the day Maddie was kidnapped. Police are treating this sighting as "significant" thus conolidating the theory of the kidnapper's escape by sea.

The police followed reports last month that a girl resembling Madeleine was seen being taken on to the ya