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The parents of missing
Madeleine McCann
have confirmed they
are suing a Portuguese newspaper that claimed they killed
their daughter.
Lawyers for
Gerry and Kate McCann have filed a libel suit
against the Tal & Qual, claiming the article was defamatory,
completely untrue and caused the couple suffering.
A statement said: "Kate and I have been deeply hurt by the
report in Tal & Qual.
"We firmly believe that the report was speculative,
defamatory and published despite official statements to the
contrary, which is why we have instructed lawyers.
"We hope that this action will encourage responsible
reporting in the future."
Last week the Tal & Qual paper carried a front-page headline
that said "The police believe the parents killed Maddie".
It reported that the
Policia Judiciaria thought Kate and
Gerry McCann caused Madeleine's death, either in an accident
or with a fatal dose of a drug.
Chief Inspector
Olegario Sousa, the investigating officer,
told Sky News: "We have said several times and I will
reaffirm the McCanns are not
suspects.
"They are victims and
witnesses. I don't know where the
paper got this information. It's not true.
"Newspapers always quote police sources. I have been quoted
before when I have not said anything."
Four-year-old Madeleine was snatched from her
bed
in her
family's rented holiday apartment in the village of
Praia Da
Luz.
Her parents were having dinner with friends in a nearby
restaurant but say they made regular checks on her.
The McCanns, from Rothley, Leicestershire, have stayed on in
Portugal ever since, desperate for news of her whereabouts.
Madeleine was due to have spent her first day at school
yesterday. |
