4 January 2008
Mirror
Rod Chaytor and Paul Byrne
McCanns' fury at police chief's report
Kate and Gerry McCann were furious last night after learning they are still prime suspects in daughter Madeleine's disappearance.
Their hopes of being cleared today were crushed when police boss Paulo Rebelo asked a judge to extend their arguido status as officers stick to the theory that they accidentally killed the four-year-old.
When Rebelo replaced boozy chief Goncalo Amaral in October the McCanns thought his review of the case would back them. But they were stunned to find his report still keeps them in the frame.
And their anger was compounded when the pair heard police also want Robert Murat to remain an official suspect over claims he was involved in Madeleine's kidnap. A friend of the McCanns, both 39, said: "The police can't have it both ways."
Their spokesman Clarence Mitchell added: "They are frustrated and angry. They know they're innocent."
Madeleine vanished from Praia da Luz eight months ago today. Under Portuguese law arguidos can ask to be cleared or charged after that time.
But the McCanns fear they could now be left with a cloud of suspicion hanging over them for years after a new police file was handed to a judge claiming they were still in the frame - despite a lack of evidence.
Mr Mitchell added: "This latest report, if it exists, was an opportunity to move forward and for them to be cleared. They feel a degree of anger and upset because whenever such an opportunity arises it appears to be squandered."
National Union of Portuguese Judges president Antonio Martins warned the McCanns could face a lengthy wait to clear their name. He added: "The problem at the moment is that no one knows what type of crime was committed. For homicide, suspects can still be tried for up to 20 years after the crime was committed."
Portuguese newspaper Correio da Manha said the police file asked the judge to lengthen the "secrecy of justice" period in the case.
The couple's friend said: "As we understand it, the report talks about the police's continued belief that Madeleine died accidentally in the apartment and that is why Kate and Gerry remain arguidos. But it also talks about Murat remaining an arguido and it discusses the possibility of her being abducted." Expat Murat, 34, denies involvement.
Correio da Manha also claimed Kate and Gerry, of Rothley, Leics, could be charged with perjury and wasting police time.
They have been warned by their legal team they they may have to go to the European Court of Human Rights to get their arguido status lifted.
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