Madeleine McCann suspect wins end to constant surveillance

A German court ruled Friday that Christian Brueckner, the top suspect in the disappearance of Madeleine McCann, cannot be kept under continuous police surveillance.

A regional appeals court in Kiel rejected a police appeal seeking to extend the surveillance. The court said other measures, including a requirement that Brueckner wear an ankle monitor, could remain in place.

Police had kept Brueckner under close watch after a court-appointed expert found a high risk that he might commit further crimes. Courts later cited a new expert assessment and other evidence in finding that he should no longer be considered part of the high-risk group subject to constant observation.

Police in Kiel said they would continue to monitor Brueckner within existing legal possibilities.

German prosecutors publicly named Brueckner as a top suspect in Madeleine McCann's disappearance in 2020, citing what they called concrete evidence, but have not charged him in the case.

McCann disappeared from her family's holiday apartment in Praia da Luz, Portugal, in May 2007 while her parents dined nearby. No trace of her has been found.