Madeleine McCann: 16 Years On and Still No Sign of the Missing Girl
McCann Parents Mark 16th Anniversary with Touching Tribute
Kate and Gerry McCann have marked the grim 16th anniversary of their daughter Madeleine’s abduction with a heartfelt message on the official Find Madeleine Campaign website. “Today marks the 16th anniversary of Madeleine’s abduction. Still missing… still sorely missed,” the couple said.
“It’s difficult to put into words how we feel. The police investigation is ongoing, and we are hoping for a breakthrough. Thank you to everyone for your aid – it is really appreciated,” they added.
Poem Reflects Family’s Pain and Hope
The McCanns also shared a poignant poem by Clare Pollard called The Contradiction, which deeply resonates with their feelings. One line reads: “The absence contradicts itself: the missing conjures what we miss.” The couple said it captures the ache of their loss perfectly.
“I can’t hold you, but I do: please let me hold you in my head, and hold me where you are now.”
Madeleine Vanished in Portugal in 2007
Madeleine was just three years old when she disappeared from a holiday apartment in Praia da Luz, Portugal, on May 3, 2007. The devastating loss has haunted her family ever since.
Latest Legal Setback in High-Profile Case
Two weeks ago, a German court refused to hear a sex crimes prosecution against Christian Brueckner, the prime suspect in Madeleine’s disappearance. Prosecutors in Braunschweig had brought charges against Brueckner for alleged sexual assaults in Portugal between 2000 and 2017.
However, the court declined the case because the alleged crimes didn’t occur in Brueckner’s last place of residence in Germany.
Brueckner denies any involvement in Madeleine’s disappearance but was named a murder suspect by Portuguese authorities in June 2020. The McCanns remain steadfast, refusing to give up hope that justice and answers will one day come.
