The head of the Portuguese police federation hit out at Kate and Gerry McCann
today, accusing them of hampering the investigation into their daughter’s
disappearance.
Carlos Anjos, head of Asfic, said there was little point interrogating the
couple again because they would, as they are entitled to, refuse to speak.
And he warned the investigation into the missing four-year-old girl could end up
taking a "very long time".
"This is a difficult and complex case made worse by Madeleine’s parents attitude
who do not facilitate or help the investigation," he said. "There is no sense in
scheduling other interrogations as Kate and Gerry have already said they will
speak no more.
"They are arguidos, a status which allows them to remain silent and they have
already said that they will make no more statements.
"This case is here for a long time because there is no apparent motive and it
will be very difficult to prove if it was homicide if Madeleine’s body is not
found."
However, Clarence Mitchell, the McCanns' spokesman, dismissed claims that the
McCanns were using their right to silence to withhold co-operation with police.
Mr Mitchell said: "We are not prepared to comment on Mr Anjos's remarks but Kate
and Gerry have always said they are willing to return to Portugal at any time to
help the police with their investigations."
Mr Anjos's comments came after the McCanns added another top legal name to their
defence team.
Rogerio Alves, President of the Portuguese Bar Association, will work alongside
the couple’s first lawyer Carlos Pinto de Abreu. The married 45-year-old who has
two children, has been a lawyer for two decades and worked on a number of high
profile cases.
Confirming his appointment, Mr Alves said: "I am delighted to be helping the
McCanns in their current situation and look forward to working closely with
Carlos Pinto de Abreu."
He said the most important part of the case was to "restore justice and of
course if possible discover the child."
It is understood the McCanns will have separate lawyers to deal with the
allegations which have been put to them by Portuguese police.
Detectives in the Algarve are apparently working on the theory that Mrs McCann
may have accidentally killed Madeleine and relied on her husband to help cover
it up. The McCanns have vehemently denied the allegation.
The appointment of the two leading lawyers is thought to be one of Portugal's
most expensive defence teams for people who are only arguidos, or suspects.
Mr and Mrs McCann met the two men with their British lawyers in London
yesterday.
In Portugal, detectives were still waiting of the results of a toxicology report
being carried out by the Forensic Science Services in Birmingham. There has been
repeated speculation, dismissed by her parents as ludicrous, that Madeleine may
have died from an overdose of drugs or sedatives.
A spokesman for the McCanns said: "We are not prepared to comment on Mr Anjos'
remarks but Kate and Gerry have always said they are willing to return to
Portugal at any time to help the police with their investigations." |
