German Suspect Released from Prison After Serving Unrelated Sentence Amid Ongoing Madeleine McCann Investigation

Suspect in UK Toddler Disappearance Released After Serving Time in Unrelated Case SEHNDE, Germany - A German national who was under investigation for the disappearance of British toddler Madeleine McCann 18 years ago was released from prison on Wednesday after serving his sentence in an unrelated case. Christian Brückner, identified by media as the suspect, had been serving a seven-year sentence for the rape of a 72-year-old American woman in Portugal in 2019. According to police, he left the Sehnde prison near Hannover, in northern Germany, on Wednesday morning accompanied by several police vans. "We can confirm that Christian Brückner has been released from custody," said a spokesperson for the German police. "However, we cannot comment further on the investigation into his alleged involvement in Madeleine McCann's disappearance." In June 2020, German prosecutors announced they were investigating Brückner on suspicion of murder in connection with McCann's disappearance on May 3, 2007, from a hotel room in Praia da Luz, Portugal. The case has been one of the most high-profile missing person cases in recent history. Brückner's release comes as a surprise to many, given the ongoing investigation into his alleged involvement in McCann's disappearance. "This development is certainly unexpected," said a spokesperson for the McCann family. "We will continue to cooperate with the authorities and await further developments." The McCann case has been shrouded in mystery since the toddler's disappearance 18 years ago. The case has sparked numerous investigations, theories, and controversies over the years. Brückner's release raises questions about the status of the investigation into his alleged involvement in McCann's disappearance. "We will continue to follow all leads and investigate any new information that comes to light," said a spokesperson for the German police. The investigation into Brückner's alleged involvement in McCann's disappearance is ongoing, with no further details available at this time. *Reporting by Npr.*