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McCanns fly to Portugal for nothing as judge postpones libel trial against police officer who wrote book
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MAIL: FRIDAY 11 DECEMBER 2009

By Daily Mail Reporter Last updated at 3:44 PM on 11th December 2009
 

Madeleine McCann's parents were left frustrated today after a judge postponed a libel traial against former Portuguese policeman Goncalo Amaral.

Kate and Gerry McCann flew to Lisbon to attend the opening of the trial - but a judge has delayed it for a month after Amaral did not turn up to court.

He missed the start of the trial for health reasons, court sources said. The trial has been postponed until January 12.

Kate and Gerry McCann looked disappointed as they left the Lisbon court today

[The McCanns] only intend to appear at the opening and I would expect that they will return to the UK fairly swiftly,' spokesman Clarence Mitchell said today.

Madeleine was nearly four when she went missing from her family's holiday apartment in Praia da Luz in Portugal on May 3, 2007, while her parents dined with friends nearby.

Despite a massive police investigation and huge publicity worldwide, Madeleine would now be aged six, has not been found.

Mr Amaral was involved in the initial investigation to find Madeleine but was later taken off the case.

Madeleine McCann: Before she went missing in 2007 aged three and, right, a digital image of how she would potentially look today, aged six

In his book, The Truth Of The Lie, he claimed Madeleine was dead and questioned the McCanns' account that she was taken while they were eating with friends.

In September a Portuguese judge granted an injunction banning further sale or publication of the book.

It also banned Mr Amaral from repeating his claims about Madeleine or her parents.

The injunction came after a year-long campaign by the McCanns' lawyers to prevent the publication of the book and a subsequent DVD.

Speaking after it was granted, Gerry McCann said false allegations had done immense damage to the search for their daughter because Portuguese people would be dissuaded from coming forward with information.

Libel trial: Goncalo Amaral was involved in the initial search for Madeleine

At the time he said: ‘There's a lot of people in Portugal, who might have evidence, that believe Madeleine is dead.

‘If people believe that, they won't search for her and they won't come forward with information.

‘I know for a fact people have been told Madeleine is dead. There is no evidence to support that and that is unforgivable.’

At one point Portuguese police made Mr and Mrs McCann, from Rothley, Leicester, 'arguidos', or formal suspects, in their daughter's disappearance.

They were questioned by detectives but their status was later lifted. Since then they have continued to campaign to find their daughter.

Comments

Who cares anymore about this circus. This is just another guilt ridden excercise by these two. Who`s looking after their other two children.

- J McCann, Torrevieja Spain., 11/12/2009 17:34

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I tried to get this book, but it was withdrawn before I could. Why haven't these two been arrested for child neglect, why do they always have to be in the limelight grabbing money, and I totally agree with other posters, how can they sue when the truth is not known, Gonzalo was only saying what he thought, and many agree with him.

- cybergran, spain, 11/12/2009 17:08

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Hm don't you think there is more than the police are letting on about on this case they have been a shambles from day one the first thing they should have done was shut off all the roads and airports straight away

- trev, uk, 11/12/2009 16:53

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It's a shame the McCann's have had to return to Portugal. They are the object of resentment, and are being blamed for the slump in the Family Holiday business.
- Frank, UK, 10/12/2009 11:15

What absolute codswallop, the people of Portugal resent this couple as a nation of child lovers, they resent the fact that these poor children were neglected night after night and harm came to one of them. Read the files Frank before you say anything else stupid.

- Catarina, Faro, 11/12/2009 16:33

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Frustrated?... Well, the portuguese police was extremely frustrated when they refused to turn up in court and clarify what they still did NOT clarify!!!

- joh, zurich, ch, 11/12/2009 16:10

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Why weren,t the McCanns charged with child neglect? It was their behavior that led to the childs, disappearance.

- T.B., Nottingham, England, 11/12/2009 16:09

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I for one cannot see why the policeman is on trial. He hasn't committed a crime or caused a child to disappear. ...MaryM, Manchester..

No Mary,
He's just trying to make as much money as he can out of the misery caused by the disappearance of this CHILD.

- John, Newbury, UK, 11/12/2009 16:05

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Don't see how this case of libel can stand? Can the judge prove that what Amarai says isn't true?
- Lizzie, Leeds, 10/12/2009 12:32


Isn't it for him to prove that he is telling the truth? He's the one making the claims and it is for him to prove them. He can't as he doesn't have a shred of evidence.

- Lexie, UK, 11/12/2009 16:03

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Who left the children on their own?

- Mike Westby, Ormskirk, 11/12/2009 15:58

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They should do an episode of Psychic Detective and try to get to the bottom of this disappearance.

- Charlie, London, 11/12/2009 15:52

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In the brave new world of the EU it appears that two commodities are now rare; Democracy and Justice.
Prepare for an even greater scarcity.
Just pretend everything is fine.
John C.

- John C., Sale Cheshire, 11/12/2009 15:48

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The only person I feel sorry for in this shambles and it's resultant media cicus is that poor little girl - MADDIE IS THE VICTIM IN ALL THIS let's not lose sight of that.

THEY (The McCanns) and no-one else left that kid alone whilst they went boozing with their mates - FACT!

I have always said, that had they been the usual parental suspects in such a case - i.e ill-educated underclass like those in the Megan Matthews saga and not middle class professionals they would have become national hate figures.

Instead, they have enjoyed a remarkably easy ride from the UK and world media in the circumstances. Finding out what happened to Maddie (dead or alive) is all that matters and not legal actions about their 'reputation' or who did / did not say what.

- Gary, Stoke, 11/12/2009 15:47

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But by the same token there is no evidence she is alive! How can they sue a policeman for having an opinion, it is beyond me.
- Chris, Yorkshire, 10/12/2009 13:05

Chris, many people have opinions on this case, but they don't write books about it. He is a DISGRACED former police officer, involved in cover-ups. This man is sleazy.

Wishing Madeleine home for Chistmas. Poor family, whatever your "opinions" of them may be they at least deserve to know where their daughter is, dead or alive and I for one admire them for not giving up and fading away like many people would like them to do. They made a terrible mistake, let them put it right.

- Al, UK, 11/12/2009 15:44

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This game of failing to appear and asking for adjurnments is also played in Cyprus. It would not be allowed in the UK.

If you manage to miss several appoints to the court the case gets thrown out

- toto kubwa, Cyprus, 11/12/2009 15:25

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The Portugese Plod made the British bobby look fairly competent. Nuff said

- Dave, Chorleywood, 11/12/2009 15:16

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I can't believe these comments. Clearly people have only the most superficial idea of what is going on. The McCanns were never charged with anything, for lack of evidence. Therefore they are innocent in the eyes of the law. Amaral (who incidentally has been convicted of perjury in Portugal) has written a book saying not just that Madeleine is dead but voicing his belief that the McCanns were involved.

This is LIBEL. The McCanns obviously cannot prove that Madeleine is alive but that doesn't mean people can accuse them publicly and with impunity of being the cause of her death. The right to express 'opinions' does not extend to slander or libel; that's why libel laws exist.

The McCanns have been damaged by this man's obsessive attacks; a closer look at his activities makes it clear that he is out to make money from Madeleine. The McCanns will use any damages to fund the search for their child. There may be little hope of success, but what parents would give up? Would you?

- Susanna, Norwich UK, 11/12/2009 15:13

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I see that anyone that may support the McCanns get red arrowed. Nice people.

I dont believe in my heart Madeline will be found but just these past few months stranger things have happened with children that have been taken. My thoughts are with Madeline her parents and family.

- Tina, Northants, 11/12/2009 15:11

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I honestly do hope that little Madeleine will be found safe and well. At the same time I do wish her parents would not keep blaming the Portuguese police for everything that went wrong in this case. I cannot believe someone like the McCann's would leave three very young children alone in an apartment whilst they went out to enjoy themselves. If that had have happened in the UK the pair would have been charged with neglect. It would seem this couple are feeling so guilty they are blaming everyone but themselves.

- Jonathan, Hove, East Sussex, 11/12/2009 15:08

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I wish people would stop describing the McCanns' evening out as "dining". They were boozing in a bar.

- Janet, London, 11/12/2009 15:00

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The investigation is a mess, the detectives are corrupt and the money is wasted. But I hope they find find their daughter soon.

- Ms D.Lee, Hong Kong, 11/12/2009 14:36

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how many times do i have to ask when are they going to face a judge over their continued neglect of three children?????????????????????

- estebe, bristol, 11/12/2009 14:35

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"As a grown up, I would like to be able to read this book and form my own opinion."

- Elle, Leicestershire, 10/12/2009 11:27

If they lose the trial, and there is proven to be serious evidence that they were responsible for her disappearance, then you can. If he has no evidence, and the book is shown as a pack of malicious lies, you can't. Why should people be able to read it if it's making horrific accusations, about real people who've suffered dreadful tragedy, without any evidence? The book will be totally one sided, but a libel trial won't. I for one will be really glad that the evidence for both sides is finally being aired, because it might help sort out the situation in the eyes of the public, either way.

The US Center For Missing and Exploited Children is certain they weren't involved, incidentally. Given their resources and expertise, surely that should count for something?

- Kate, London, 11/12/2009 14:30

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Sorry as I feel for the McCanns and their heartache, they don't do themselves any favours by constantly asking for money and good publicity, and then spending it on dodgy detectives and PR.

They won't ever be able to 'wipe the slate clean' because it is a fundamental fact of this whole situation that they had left their children night after night to go wining and dining.

They shouldn't try to absolve themselves anymore. It doesn't matter. People will help them regardless because nobody wants a little girl to be missing. Even if they disapprove of what the McCanns did wish the best for the little girl.

If they were really concerned to find Madeleine they would concentrate on finding a reputable trustworthy investigator, co-operate with the police, and stop bad mouthing everybody else.

I personally won't be buying this Amaral's book, but if they ignore him, he won't get nearly as much publicity.

- isabella, london, 11/12/2009 14:09

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Amarals book completely contradicts the findings of the portuguese judiciary, he is a disgrace to both his profession and his country, Good luck Kate and Gerry with your search, don't let leeches like this creature stand in your way.

- Kirsty, Scotland, 11/12/2009 14:09

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The policeman who was on the case should not comment either way, because it looks as if he has "insider information" and therefore is detrimental to finding the child. Whilst it is ongoing, and it still is for the McCanns and their family, this type of accusation, unless categorically evidenced, should not be aired in a book especially. If he has proof, let him bring that forward to the police if not...put up or shut up.

- Valdery, Liverpool, 11/12/2009 13:55

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He hasn't committed a crime or caused a child to disappear.
- MaryM, Manchester, 9/12/2009 22:24

And neither did the McCanns!

- Liz, London, 11/12/2009 13:31

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The problem with this book is not that Amaral said she was dead but that he has suggested very strongly (to say the least) that the McCanns were responsible for her disappearance. Of coruse theys holdn't have left them alone but being a far from perfect parent is not the same as being responsible for a child's disappearance.

I find it unbelievable that certain people's dislike of the McCanns can blind them to the fact that man has behaved in a totally inappropriate manner both in this and the case of Juana Cipriano (for which he actually stood trial for his actions!)

- Liz, London, 11/12/2009 13:28

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Just who is paying for all this? I thought the McCanns were broke???

- anon, tyneside, 11/12/2009 12:49

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Goncalo Amaral's book is only a condensed version of the official Portuguese police files which have been placed in the public domain (by the police) in the Summer of 2008.
I have read both, same observations, same opinions, same conclusions in both.
Perhaps the McCanns haven't read the police files?

- Martyn, Birmingham, UK, 10/12/2009 22:45

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Why can't I read this book? What happened to freedom of speech.

- amanda Leona, lincoln, 10/12/2009 20:59

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Amaral is a greedy liar who tried to frame the family when a child was abducted. The Portuguese authorities saw through his lies for profit. He brought disgrace on his country and on the Portugeuse police - no wonder he's in disgrace. But Portugal can rise above one rotten apple.

- Cathy, England, 10/12/2009 19:01

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A local policeman was doing his job trying to find out what had happened to a little three year old child, and got the sack for his efforts, while her mother refused to answer any of the questions put to her by the local police in order to help in the search. She was told that by not answering she was hindering the search and that was the only thing she gave an answer to, which was completely negative. Maybe while they are in Portugal they will persuade the authorities to reopen the case - or maybe they don't want to! Good luck Goncalo Amaral! You have suffered enough for your valiant efforts on behalf of Madeleine Beth McCann!

- Annie, Stowmarket, Suffolk, 10/12/2009 18:52

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'They only intend to appear at the opening and I would expect that they will return to the UK fairly swiftly.'

I'll bet they do!

- Craig David, Leeds, 10/12/2009 18:34

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The McCanns seem obsessed with protecting their reputaion. Are they utalising all these funds donated at the time for these purposes. She's missing, we all hope she might be found... What's their problem...

- Mel, Worthing, 10/12/2009 17:42

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'If people believe that she is dead, they won't search for her and they won't come forward with information.
----------------
Neither will they contribute to the fund.

- Chris, Yorkshire, 10/12/2009 17:38

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'There's a lot of people in Portugal, who might have evidence, that believe Madeleine is dead.'

What, have they been in comas for the last two years? There's been so much publicity of this case that EVERY PERSON IN PORTUGAL has heard of her, and if they had anything to tell the police or the McCanns' hotline they would done so ages ago--whether they thought she was dead or alive. Saying that there's no evidence that harm has come to her is idiotic--if she WAS abducted, that in itself would be traumatizing, and when a child simply vanishes for years chances are likely that she's dead. The publicity given to abducted children who turn up blinds us to the fact that the vast majority vanish forever or are found dead.

Why do they need more money? To "search" for her? They hire one PI agency after another and none have experience in finding missing persons (and most are crooks). Why give money to these fools?

- C. C. McAdam, Los Angeles, 10/12/2009 17:24

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The Maccanns now should demand this case be reopened they have the power to do this get real police involved instead of wasting money on private detectives, its the only way it is going to be solved.

But do we ever think of the effect all this has on Mr Amaral and his family this man has put his head on the block, and lets be honest has been very badly treated, is he risking all just to get at the Maccanns do we really believe that why don't the maccanns work with him to find their daughter, he seems to be the only one looking for her. This man is not the fool the uk media made him out to be.

- Mary, Liverpool, 10/12/2009 17:07

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If the McCanns had been proper parents in the first place this would not be happening.

- Polly Filler, UK, 10/12/2009 17:07

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Where can I buy this book? The McCann's 'blocking' it only makes me want to read it more!!

- whatsup, the universe, 10/12/2009 16:47

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IF the McCann's hadn't left their three children alone, they would know exactly where they all are now.

- whatsup, the universe, 10/12/2009 16:40

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Feel sorry for this family, but, everyone is entitled to their own opinion, and we should be able to read the book, and then make our own minds up as to whether we think that there is any truth or not contained in it. I do not think that suing someone for libel would be my course of action, I would be wanting people to read it and judge for themselves. Any amount of money, would never make me feel any better, but knowing that people had read this book and decided for themselves that it was all lies, would give me a sense of satisfaction.

- Magz, Glasgow, Scotland, 10/12/2009 16:28

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So how many people challenging the McCann's would find this type of action acceptable from an English police officer?

Or is a case of double standards? After all we are all in the EU so only one standard is acceptable and this is way below what is required

- toto kubwa, Cyprus, 10/12/2009 16:26

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I really don't know why the McCanns are trying to stifle this book, surely people can make their own minds up, I mean, someone could write a book saying the centre of the moon is inhabited by Clangers, I don't need to believe it.

- Chris, Yorkshire, 10/12/2009 16:20

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Pip, from the UK: What would the proper police do, then? Would they be able to work with a tempered crime scene? Would they be able to get answers for the infamous 48 questions? And what would that proper police be? The British police was there...

- Swift Malone, Lisbon, PT, 10/12/2009 16:18

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This whole sorry saga seems to have become more about suing people than finding Madeleine.

- Chris, Yorkshire, 10/12/2009 16:11

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maddy wasnt found because the portuguese police were uninterested and useless at finding her.

- lisa, england, 10/12/2009 15:42

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Amaral, deserves everything that he has coming to him for making money off the back of a mising little girl, he did this for personal financial gain and to me this speaks volumes of the type of person he is. What kind of a person subjects a family of a missing child to this? He did it to make money and did not care of the hurt that it would cause, pure greed. Amaral is a convicted criminal and that just about says it all and I am glad that the McCanns are standing up to this sorry excuse of a man. He is aman without morals!

- liz, Cheshire, Uk, 10/12/2009 15:42

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A shame they did not fly to Portugal to do a reconstruction when asked to. Maybe none of this would be happening now if they had.

- louise harffey, london,uk, 10/12/2009 15:31

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There may not be any evidence to prove that Madeleine is dead, but neither is there any to prove that she is alive. No one has come forward to claim the huge reward, which in itself is a bit suspect as we know that there is no 'honour among thieves'. All the investigation companies hired so far have been worse than useless. God alone knows what happened on that fateful night - even the holiday friends cannot get their stories straight. The abductor must have been a master magician to only have about 3 minutes to get in, do some cleaning then climb out of a window holding a silent child. Incredible really and too, too sad.

- janet b, Herts. UK, 10/12/2009 14:39

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I hope that this man will be dealt with by the legal system in Portugal. He has been a complete ......... since day one. What he did hindered the police investigation right from the start. I cannot believe how Madeleine's parents must be suffering throughout this.

- L Darlington, Sydney, Australia, 10/12/2009 14:34

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I didn't donate to the fund and I haven't read Dr Amaral's book. I do believe in Freedom of Speech and hope Dr Amaral wins this.

- Anna Kelley, Ga USA, 10/12/2009 14:09

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these people are now looking to blame someone else for leaving their daughter alone while they were enjoying themselves

- ymmot, england, 10/12/2009 14:02

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What a shame these two irresponsible people, with no parenting skills, re-appear.

- Polly Filler, UK, 10/12/2009 13:14

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Gerry McCann said 'I know for a fact people have been told Madeleine is dead. There is no evidence to support that and that is unforgivable.'
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But by the same token there is no evidence she is alive! How can they sue a policeman for having an opinion, it is beyond me.

- Chris, Yorkshire, 10/12/2009 13:05

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Don't see how this case of libel can stand? Can the judge prove that what Amarai says isn't true?

- Lizzie, Leeds, 10/12/2009 12:32

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It wasn't the policeman who left two and three year children alone.

- Not distracted from the real issues, UK, 10/12/2009 12:01

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As a grown up, I would like to be able to read this book and form my own opinion.

- Elle, Leicestershire, 10/12/2009 11:27

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This whole investigation surrounding Madeleine's disappearance has to me been a complete shambles right from the start, and not just because of Amaral. It is always good to have some publicity when someone, especially a young child goes missing. However, too much publicity can have an edverse effect, hence all the wild and various sightings of Madeleine around the globe.

It's shuch a shame that the investigaton was not restarted with a fresh team of 'proper' police officers. Perhaps then we may have found out exactly what has happened to poor little Madeleine.

- Pip, United Kingdom, 10/12/2009 11:24

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It's a shame the McCann's have had to return to Portugal. They are the object of resentment, and are being blamed for the slump in the Family Holiday business.

- Frank, UK, 10/12/2009 11:15

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I don't wish to comment on this story in case I get sued, suffice to say just check out Facebook on the subject.

- David Krantz, Toytown, England, 10/12/2009 10:38

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I am so sorry for this family, this is the worst nightmare come true that can possibly happen to anyone. We can see from the photo the toll that all the pain and suffering as taken on Mrs McCann. I do hope that somehow the truth wil be known someday.

- Paula, Lisbon, 10/12/2009 10:33

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This is NOT the launch of the McCanns libel action against Goncalo Amaral. It is a hearing at which Goncalo Amaral, through his solicitor, will present his opposition to the interim decision - made by a judge, in September - to seize his assets and prevent him from speaking publicly about 'his' thesis.

The libel action, in which the McCanns are demanding over 1 million euros, will not take place until next year.

They are two separate events.

Clarence Mitchell has, not for the first time, given a completely misleading and wholly untrue quote in this article.

- Nigel Moore, UK, 9/12/2009 23:13

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I for one cannot see why the policeman is on trial. He hasn't committed a crime or caused a child to disappear.

- MaryM, Manchester, 9/12/2009 22:24

 
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