Enfants Kidnappés: archived articles from October 2007

This is a long series of articles from October 2007, which appeared on the Enfants Kidnappés site. All are in English.

http://www.kidnapping.be/anglais/index.html

It is very interesting to look back at what was being written at that time in online journals like Enfants Kidnappés.

The above three photos are of Madeleine, taken during the holiday in Praia da Luz. Something quite intrigues me in comparing the three photos. The photo in the middle shows a child who looks proprtionately like a three/four year-old. The child on the right, in the small photo, appears to have longer legs! Do you think that if the child in the middle photo bent over like that, that her legs would look so long and slim or that those trousers would not slip up round her ankles just a little? To me, the child bending over in the small photo looks more like a six/seven year-old. My eyes must be deceiving me!

Robert Murat's computers and other possessions returned. PJ arriving on April 7th and The Sunday Express apologises!

Today, Sunday March 23rd, many of the newspapers and online news media lead with the story that Robert Murat's computers and other possessions, which were seized by the PJ last year, have been returned. Mr Murat is now hoping that his status as arguido, official suspect, in the Madeleine McCann case is about to be lifted.

Something that has drawn my attention in all of the reports is the almost exact wording of what has been published.

The Independent On Sunday

"Portuguese police have returned computers and other possessions they seized from Madeleine McCann "suspect" Robert Murat, he said yesterday.

He described the move as a "very positive sign" – but is still waiting to be officially cleared of involvement in the young girl's disappearance.

Mr Murat, 34, lives just yards from the holiday apartment in the Portuguese seaside resort of Praia da Luz where Madeleine vanished on 3 May last year."

Sky News Sunday March 23rd

"Portuguese police have returned computers and other possessions seized from Madeleine McCann suspect Robert Murat, he has said.

Murat in Portugal

He described the move as a "very positive sign" - but is still waiting to be officially cleared of involvement in the British girl's disappearance.

Mr Murat, 34, lives just yards from the holiday apartment in the Portuguese seaside resort of Praia da Luz, where Madeleine vanished on May 3 last year."

Daily Star On Sunday

"Portuguese police have returned computers and other possessions they seized from Madeleine McCann "suspect" Robert Murat, he hassaid.

He described the move as a "very positive sign" - but is still waiting to be officially cleared of involvement in the young girl's disappearance.

Mr Murat, 34, lives just yards from the holiday apartment in the Portuguese seaside resort of Praia da Luz where Madeleine vanished on May 3 last year."

Apart from the odd word here and there, the reports are identical. So, this reads like a press release to me, but a press release from whom? The Portuguese police? I doubt that very much? Since the news is very much focussed on the interests of Robert Murat, I am making a guess that the press release has come from a representative of Robert Murat, perhaps Max Clifford, who has been reported as acting for Murat.

The timing of the return of these items in interesting in the light of reports that the Portuguese police are due to arrive in the UK on April 7th to observe the questioning of members of the tapas group and others in line with the rogatory letters sent earlier by the PJ. The return of Murat's computers must mean that the PJ no longer consider them as important for evidence purposes.

The date on which the PJ inspectors are due to arrive must now be official as this is being reported by several newspapers, including the Mail On Sunday.

Mail On Sunday

"Portuguese police to quiz Tapas Nine in Britain in final bid to solve Madeleine mystery"

This is the headline from the Mail On Sunday, though we read that actually the questioning will be of the Tapas Seven, since the police have been refused permission to re-question Kate and Gerry by the Public Prosecutor.

"A source close to the case said: "The Policia Judiciaria had prepared various questions it wanted Kate and Gerry to face but they were crossed off the list of priorities on the advice of public prosecutors.

"They felt it was a waste of time because the McCanns would refuse to answer the questions, a right that Portuguese law grants official suspects."

If this is true, what happened to the previous claim by Clarence Mitchell that the McCanns, as well as their friends, were keen for the PJ to arrive and that they would co-operate fully in order to have their arguido status lifted?

The Mail On Sunday lists a few of the inconsistencies which may be of interest to the PJ.

"They are thought to be particularly keen to reinterview David Payne, Jane Tanner and her partner, Russell O'Brien."

"Dr Payne, 41, a cardiovascular researcher from Leicester, was the last person outside the McCann family to see Madeleine at the Ocean Club in Praia da Luz on May 3. Gerry asked him to check on his wife and children while he was having a tennis lesson at about 6.30pm.

Dr O'Brien, 36, from Exeter, was away from the group for up to 45 minutes between 9.30pm and 10.15pm tending his own child who was being sick in his apartment.

He told police he had changed her bed linen, but staff at the Ocean Club deny any change of sheets was requested.

Attention has also focused on 36-year-old Miss Tanner's claim that she saw a man carrying a girl from the McCanns' apartment at about 9.15pm - when another witness says he was outside the flat at the same time but did not see her or the mystery man.

The trio have denied reports they intended changing their original police statements. The McCanns' spokesman Clarence Mitchell says the friends are keen to help police and want the reinterviews to take place as soon as possible."

Meanwhile, the Sunday Express heads its front page with a reprint of the apology to the McCanns, "Kate and Gerry McCann: Sorry." I haven't read the apology in today's Express, but I am sure it's the one printed earlier in the week in which the Express proclaimed the McCanns completely innocent of any involvement in their daughter's disappearance. Strange that! I thought only a court of law could proclaim someone innocent as a result of a case being heard in court.

The Scotsman today: ""Dani Garavelli: End of the paper trial."

"Since we have no idea which particular articles were the subject of the libel action, the victory doesn't set out the limits of press freedom either. The Express's apology – "we accept Kate and Gerry are completely innocent" – is being read by some as an acceptance that any scrutiny of the couple's behaviour was beyond the pale, but that is clearly not so.

It was perfectly acceptable to question the wisdom of leaving three toddlers alone in a holiday apartment or to try to assess the strength of the evidence the Portuguese were acting on when they made Kate and Gerry arguidos. So at what precise point did the Express cross the line? Was it when it carried conflicting reports of the DNA evidence found in the McCanns' hire car, or when it drew an inference from the fact Maddie's "cuddle cat" had been washed? Because these issues were never aired in open court, we will never know."

The Portuguese police are hoping that the questioning of the Tapas Seven and others will help to shed light on the disappearance of Madeleine McCann and, I am sure, bring this case to a conclusion. In my opinion, this case can only be satisfactorily resolved when Madeleine McCann is either found alive or her body is found and she is finally laid to rest.

I wish the Portuguese police good luck in their quest for justice for little Madeleine McCann and commend them in their persistence with this case.

SOS Madeleine McCann: Malinka's burnt out car.

http://sosmaddie.dhblogs.be/

"Voiture de Malinka incendié"

"Sergey Malinka, l’informaticien russe que la Police Judiciaire avait entendu comme témoin dans les jours qui ont suivi la disparition de Madeleine McCann, à vu sa voiture incendié et le mot "fala" - parle, en portugais – écrit en rouge à coté de son Audi A4.

Ami de Robert Murat, le russe voit l’incident comme un acte d’intimidation même s’il affirme ne pas savoir ce qu’ont voudrais qu’il dise."

Sergey Malinka, the Russian computer expert whom the PJ heard as a witness in the days following Madeleine McCann's disappearance, saw his car burned out and the word, "fala," - talk -, in Portuguese - written in red by the side of his Audi A4.

Friend of Robert Murat, the Russian views the incident as an act of intimidation even if he claims that he does not know what someone would like him to say.

"Qui a écrit cela ? Qu’est-ce qu'exactement veulent-ils que je dise?"

"Malinka a été entendu une nouvelle fois par la Police Judiciaire à qui il a dit ne pas connaître la raison qui aurait poussé quelqu’un à vouloir l’intimider dans l’enquête Madeleine, ou le jeune russe est cité comme témoin.

L’incendie de l’Audi A4 de Sergey Malinka aurait commencé vers quatre heures de matin, à quelques dizaines de mètres de la maison du russe, et serait d’origine criminelle, comme indiquent les premiers éléments du dossier d’enquête de la PJ."

"Who wrote that? What exactly do they want me to say?"

Malinka was heard again by the PJ to whom he said that he did not know the reason that could have pushed someone to want to intimidate him in the Madeleine enquiry, in which the Russian is cited as a witness.

The burning of Sergey Malinka's Audi A4 started around four in the morning, a few dozen metres from the Russian's house, and would be criminal in origin, as indicated by the first details of the PJ's enquiry file.

"Des méthodes criminelles"

"L’incendie de la voiture de Sergey Malinka et les mouchards GPS sous les voitures de Robert Murat et Michaela Walczuch sont pris très au sérieux par la Police Judiciaire qu’y voit des méthodes criminelles et à ouvert deux enquêtes parallèles au dossier Madeleine McCann.

Ce n’est pas la premiére fois que les inspecteurs ont connaissance de l’existence de pressions, intimidations et menaces à l’encontre de plusieurs témoins."

Criminal methods.

The burning of Sergey Malinka's car and the GPS tracking devices under Robert Murat's and Michaela Walczuch's cars are being taken very seriously by the PJ, who see criminal methods there and have opened two parallel investigations on the Madeleine McCann file.

This is not the first time that the inspectors have known the existence of pressure, intimidation and threats against several witnesses.

"Les journalistes ne sont pas exception et divers professionnels ont été la cible de méthodes similaires.

Selon une source de la police, les mouchards GPS placés sous les voitures de Robert Murat et de Michaela Walczuch, n’ont pas été placées par aucun service ou departement des autorités portugaises et les appareils ont été achetés au départ de l’Espagne."

Journalists are not an exception and various professionals have have been the target of similar methods.

According to a police source, the GPS tracking devices placed under the cars of Robert Murat and Michaela Walczuch were not placed by any service or department of the Portuguese authorities and the equipment was bought somewhere in Spain.

Enfants Kidnappés: Malinka's burnt out car.

http://www.kidnapping.be/maddie/maddie.html

21 mars 2008

"La voiture de Malinka incendiée" A côté des ruines encore fumante de la voiture de Sergey malinka, sur le trottoir, en lettres rouges bien visible, écrit le mot "FALA" (PARLE). C'est dans la nuit de jeudi, vers 04h00 du matin, que l'Audi A4 de l'informaticien russe a été entièrement détruite par les flammes. "Je ne comprends pas le sens du message. Je ne veux plus être ennuyé avec l'affaire Madeleine. Je veux qu'on me laisse en paix. Je vais à l'église, je paye mes impôts, je n'ai pas mérité cela" à déclaré Malinka. Il a également ajouté: "Je suis convaincu qu'il s'agit d'un avertissement qui a à voir avec l'affaire Maddie. Mais je n'ai rien à dire et je ne sais rien"

Malinka's burnt out car.

On the pavement, beside the still smoking ruins of Sergey Malinka's car, in clearly visible red letters, is written the word, "FALA," (SPEAK) It was towards 4am in the morning, during Thursday night, that the Russian computer expert's Audi A4 was totally destroyed by flames. "I don't understand the meaning of the message. I don't want to be bothered any more with the Madeleine case. I want to be left in peace. I go to church, I pay my taxes, I have not deserved this." stated Malinka. He also added: "I am convinced that this is a warning which has to do with the Maddie case. But I have nothing to say and I know nothing."

"Malinka, qui dormait à environs 50 mètres du lieu de l'incendie, dans son appartement qu'il partage avec ses parents, n'a rien entendu et a seulement été au courant au moment de son réveil. Un autre véhicule, une Opel Zafira, aurait également été atteinte par les flammes. "J'étais en train de dormir quand j'ai entendu une explosion. J'étais paniqué et je suis allé voir ce qui se passait. La voiture brûlait et les pompiers ainsi que la GNR étaient déjà sur place. Ensuite, la PJ est arrivée et avec l'aide des pompiers ont effacé le mot "FALA" du trottoir" a déclaré un riverain. Une autre voisine, Jennifer a déclaré: "Je ne savais pas ce qui se passait. J'ai pensé à un groupe de délinquants en train de casser toutes les voitures de la rue mais les autorités m'ont dit d'être tranquille, qu'il s'agissait d'un attentat dirigé contre une seule personne mais ils ne m'ont pas dit qui."

Malinka, who was sleeping about 50 metres from the scene of the fire, in his apartment which he shares with his parents, heard nothing and was only aware of it when he woke up. Another vehicle, an Opel Fafira, was also affected by the flames. "I was asleep when I heard an explosion. I was panicked and I went to see what was happening. The car was burning and the firemen as well as the GNR were already there. Then the PJ arrived and with the help of the firemen they removed the word, "FALA," from the pavement." stated one riverside resident. Another neighbour, Jennifer, stated: "I did not know what was happening. I thought of a group of young offenders in the process of damaging the cars in the street, but the authorities told me to calm down, that it was an attack directed at one person, but they did not tell me who."

"Pas de liens avec l'affaire McCann ?! La PJ a déjà admise qu'il s'agit bien d'un incendie d'origine criminelle. Cette dernière a précisé que, face à l'hypothèse que Sergey Malinka soit soupçonné dans l'affaire Maddie, le russe a été entendu seulement comme victime dans une nouvelle affaire, celle de l'incendie de sa voiture. La même source, selon la presse portugaise, a souligné qu'initialement, Malinka avait été entendu comme témoin dans l'affaire McCann parce qu'il avait créé le site Romingen (La société de Murat et de Michaela Walczuch). Notons, toutefois, qu'en l'espace d'un an, c'est le deuxième véhicule de Sergey Malinka qui brûle dans les environs de son domicile à Praia de Luz."

No links with the McCann case?!

The PJ has already admitted that the fire has a criminal origin. They pointed out that rather than the theory that Malinka was a suspect in the Maddie case, the Russian was understood only as a victim in a new case, that of the torching of his car. The same source, according to the Portuguese press, stressed that initially Malinka was heard as a witness in the McCann case because he built the web site Romigen. (Murat and Michaela Walczuch's company) We note, however, that in the space of a year, this is Sergey Malinka's second vehicle which has burnt in the vicinity of his home in Praia da Luz.

His Holiness The Dalai Lama

In March 2004, my son asked me an intriguing question. If he gave me a ticket for something I would have to travel to, would I go? My reply was that if he gave me a ticket for something I would be sure it was worth going to. The, "something," remained a secret until Mother's Day, 2004, when I received one of the best gifts ever, a ticket to attend three days of talks by HH The Dalai Lama at the Scottish Exhibition Centre in Glasgow.

For me, to be in the presence of the Dalai Lama was a special privilege. Having braved the weaving traffic on the M8 from my brother's house in Coatbridge to the exhibition centre, I took my place with a few hundred others in the huge hall, amid an air of anticipation and quiet reverence, even before the great man appeared.

When His Holiness entered, he walked across the stage with head bowed slightly, followed by his interpreter, who sat on a cushion on the floor, close to the big chair that the Dalai Lama takes with him on his tours.

The Dalai Lama has the most smiley face I have ever seen. He spoke in his own language, always in a very animated way, which held the rapt attention of an audience, most of whom, I am sure, did not understand one word of what was being said. The Dalai Lama would pause and the interpreter would tell us what had just been said, with a warmth of expression which echoed that of the Dalai Lama himself.

His Holiness has a child-like quality and a sense of joyfulness conveys itself from him, even when he is silent. His sense of humour and his modesty are well-known. Let me give you an example. At the end of each day, the audience was invited to ask questions and one question was, "How do I recognise a good teacher?" The Dalai Lama explained and the interpreter gave the response in English; there are ten qualities of a good teacher and the Dalai Lama had said he was not good with number 10, "A good teacher should always be patient with his students." While the interpreter was speaking, all eyes were on the Dalai Lama, who was seen to be almost falling off his big chair laughing. When the interpreter had finished, he looked to the Dalai Lama with a questioning expression and the Dalai Lama explained his laughter.

The Dalai Lama said, "I did not mean to imply that I was good with the other nine!"

Those words, spoken with child-like mirth, brought quiet laughter from the audience. For myself and everyone else I should think, it was the irony that such a greatly revered teacher should display such self-effacing modesty, which drew the laughter.

The Dalai Lama will return to the UK in May this year and will give talks at several venues. I will go to see him if I can, but if that is not possible, it doesn't matter. I have had the privilege of being in his presence and I shall cherish the experience and thank my son for a wonderful Mother's Day gift!

Action alert for Tibet

I have received an email this morning from Rosa at care2.com, asking for signatures to a petition for support for the people of Tibet in the face of Chinese suppression of protest. I am copying the email here as Rosa's words are much more eloquent than mine could be. Please consider signing the petition. Thank you.


Hi Anna,

I'm sure that like me, you're also outraged by the abuse of power displayed by the Chinese government to suppress the protests in Tibet and nearby provinces. Speak up for those who can't. Sign this petition to urge China to end the crackdown immediately >>

The violence against protesters, monks and civilians in Tibet is quickly escalating as the deadly crackdown continues. This week, overwhelmed by the violence affecting innocent civilians, the Dalai Lama said he would resign as leader of the Tibetan government-in-exile "if things become out of control." We can't remain silent while these abuses are taking place. Take action to stand with the people of Tibet.

The Beijing Summer Olympics are only a few months away, but that hasn't stopped China from cracking down on Tibetan protesters, causing the death of around 100 people, while hundreds continue to be shot at, beaten up and detained by China's security forces.

The protesters' grievances should not be addressed through the use of force, but with an open and peaceful dialogue. Freedom of expression is a basic human right that should be respected and not punished with violence.

Please sign this petition to the Olympic Games Officials and the United Nations to make sure help is on the way for the people of Tibet!

Thank you for standing with innocent Tibetans. Peace, Rosa Care2 and ThePetitionSite Team

The Dalai Lama is due to visit the UK in May this year. So far there has been no word from our Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, that he will meet with the Dalai Lama. The Dalai Lama is the Head of State in exile of the country of Tibet and I consider it to be quite offensive that Tony Blair did not meet with him during the Dalai Lama's previous visit to our shores in 2004. As a gesture of goodwill, I think that Gordon Brown should arrange an official reception for the Dalai Lama. I do wonder if the silence from dear Gordon has something to do with trade with China.

Enfants Kidnappés: Interrogations scheduled for April 7th

Interrogatoires prévus pour le 07 avril

"Alors que la presse ne parle que des excuses du groupe "Express", l'enquête, elle, continue son cours. En effet, les fameuses lettres rogatoires qui ont finalement été acceptées, sont dans leurs phases de mise en place. Divers membres de la police portugaise, en contact avec leurs homologues britanniques, sont en train de peaufiner les derniers détails des interrogatoires prévus pour le 07 avril."

Interrogations scheduled for April 7th.

While the press is only talking about the Express group's apologies, the enquiry follows its course. In fact, the famous rogatory letters, which have been finally accepted, are in the phase of being put into operation. Various members of the Portuguese police, in contact with their British counterparts, are in the process of fine-tuning the last details of the interrogations, scheduled for April 7th.

"En effet, c'est cette date qui semble être celle retenue. En tous cas, c'est cette date qui est annoncée officiellement par la PJ portugaise. La police devrait interroger pas moins de 14 personnes. Il devrait s'agir des derniers interrogatoires. Ils sont considérés comme essentiels par la PJ. Ils devraient éclaircir et apporter des explications sur les diverses contradictions et "non sens" relevés dans les auditions précédentes. La police britannique apporte toute son aide et sa pleine collaboration à la mise en oeuvre des demandes se trouvant dans le courrier en provenance du Portugal."

In fact that is the date that seems to be accepted. In any case, that is the date that is announced officially by the PJ. The police will have to interrogate no fewer than 14 people. They should be the last interrogations. They are considered essential by the PJ. They should clarify and give explanations for the various contradictions and, "no sense," statements in previous hearings. The British police are giving every assistance and cooperation in implementing the requests in the letters from Portugal.

"Car belonging to Madeleine case witness destroyed in blast."

Portugal Resident 20/03/08

By NATASHA SMITH

natasha@the-resident.com

A CAR belonging to Russian computer expert Sergei Malinka, who has been questioned by police as part of the Madeleine McCann investigation, was destroyed in an explosion in the early hours of this morning (Thursday, March 20) in Praia da Luz.

The incident is said to have taken place at around 5am next to his apartment, where the word “fala” (talk) had been written on the pavement next to the car.

Witnesses told The Resident that two cars were involved in the blast and maintain that one belonged to Malinka.

Police first interviewed Malinka on May 16, 2007, around two weeks after Madeleine McCann went missing.

Police searched the home of the IT expert, who designed a website for Robert Murat and was seen talking to Murat several times in the days after Madeleine’s disappearance. He was adamant that he was interviewed as a witness, not a suspect.

He has lived in Praia da Luz for around seven years and has always maintained he had nothing to do with Madeleine’s disappearance.

He claims he only had a professional relationship with official suspect, Robert Murat, and he has never been named as an arguido.

The Judicial Police could not confirm this morning’s blast took place but witnesses in the area have told The Resident that two cars were involved. They have also said that one of the cars belonged to Malinka.

The Resident spoke to Robert Murat, who said that he had not been told about the incident but did confirm that Malinka drove a Silver Audi, similar to the car that was torched.

“I am in England now but I am surprised that no one in Praia da Luz phoned me to tell me about it”, he said.

Rodney Reed: oral arguments started at Court of Criminal Appeals

News 8 Austin 20/03/08

Rodney Reed makes renewed plea for new trial
3/19/2008 6:25 PM
By: Catie Beck

	Reed's lawyers and state prosecutors made their case Wednesday.

While he sat behind bars in East Texas, his lawyers sat before judges in Austin.

Once again they asked for a new trial.

Rodney Reed was hoping for the best case scenario.

"That the judges actually pay attention to what's being argued and accept it for what it is � the truth," Reed said in an interview earlier this week.

Reed's lawyers and State prosecutors made their case in the Court of Criminal Appeals.

"I think it went well," Reed's attorney Morris Overstreet said. "I think the questions they asked were timely and pointed. I think we were prepared for this case."

Reed's lawyers argued that the state withheld evidence in the original trial, even physical evidence, specifically tests done on a beer can found at the crime scene with DNA on it belonging to a police officer. That officer was also a friend and colleague of Stacey Stites' fianc�, Jimmy Fennell Jr.

"You put Mr. Fennell's best friend David Hall at the scene of the crime would a jury question whether Fennell had anything to do with it?" Overstreet asked.

Fennell's recent indictment on rape and kidnapping charges has the court considering his tie to the case. But Stites' family has no doubt that the first trial was fair and that the right man is in prison.

"I absolutely believe that Rodney Reed is the man that did this," Stites' sister, Debra Oliver said.

State prosecutors defended the prior decision as well.

They said the State never withheld evidence and that Reed had a history of violent sex crimes. Though he has never been convicted of one, several allegations have been made.

"Even if he gets free on this one, there are a lot of cases against him, there are a lot of women that haven't gotten justice," Oliver said.

Reed's family has hope for his justice and a fair trial.

"They railroaded my son, and they said what they wanted to say," Reed's mother, Sandra Reed said.

Now all that can be done is to wait, something Reed has learned how to do well.

View Rodney Reed's brief (death penalty case oral argument requested).

View the state's case (respondent's reply brief).

View Fennell's additional motion (motion to supplement habeas record and request for disclosure of exculpatory evidence).

The Express Group: how did you get to this sorry state?

Today I have been reading, like the rest of the world, that the Express group of newspapers has apologised to Kate and Gerry McCann for any distress caused by stories which they have published since May last year when Madeleine disappeared. This has motivated me to tell you about a suggestion made by my daughter on Friday evening of last week.

My daughter is a very kind-hearted person, who does not indulge in gossip and who would not take a great deal of notice of what she might see as wild speculation. Since the McCanns' daughter disappeared, my daughter has retained an attitude of great sympathy for them. On Friday evening she was sitting by my desk, as I was reading an article on the Duarte Levy blog, "SOS Madeleine McCann," when she asked me why people had been so nasty about the McCanns, when their child was missing and they were suffering and would suffer for the rest of their lives for leaving the child unattended.

I began to describe to my daughter some of the things which seemed to have made people wonder about the case and about the parents and that in the absence of official statements, press conferences by the Portuguese police etc, that people had begun to speculate based on the information, official and unofficial which was available. My daughter is one of those people who chose not to read any of the speculative reports. When I had explained what probably gave rise to speculation, my daughter suggested that I write about our conversation and what I told her about the reasons people had been bothered about the case.

My daughter's question was, "Why have people been so nasty about the McCanns?" I can see what she means. I cannot recall a case where there has been so much speculation by the world's media and arising in internet forums dedicated to the case. So, what were those things that gave rise to the intense interest and speculation?

I can remember seeing the first report on the BBC's news pages of their web site. It was on the morning of Friday May 4th, 2007, and there were a few lines, heading the Front Page. I was shocked to read that a British toddler had disappeared from her family's holiday apartment in Portugal and in the days that followed I searched the news pages for updates.

Some folks have posted on internet forums that they were immediately suspicious about what had happened. I guess I was just shocked that two intelligent doctors had left three small children alone. I read everything I could find on the subject and I must say, I became quite confused by the different accounts I was reading of the events.

When Kate McCann returned to the apartment, the shutters had been jemmied and the window forced open.

"Heart specialist Gerry McCann rang his sister Trish in Scotland after Maddy vanished from her cot placed between two-year-old twins Sean and Amelie.

Trish revealed yesterday: "He was breaking his heart, saying 'Madeleine's been abducted, she's been abducted'."

Gerry and wife Kate, both 38, had been checking their three children in the family's ground-floor flat every 30 minutes as they dined with friends 120ft away.

Trish said: "When Kate checked, she came out screaming. Maddy had gone. The door was open and the window in the bedroom and shutters were jemmied open. Nothing had been touched and no valuables taken."

The Mirror May 5th, 2007

• "Close family friend Gill Renwick, of Liverpool, who also spoke to GP Kate yesterday, said: "Poor Kate and Gerry don't know where to turn.

"Madeleine has obviously been taken. She couldn't have gone out on her own and the shutters were forced."

• "Close family friend Jon Corner, of Liverpool, told how tearful Kate sobbed down the phone early yesterday: "Someone has taken my little girl."

"Jon, godparent to the McCanns' twins, said: "She was in an absolutely hysterical state - very, very distressed. She blurted out Madeleine had been abducted.

"Kate said the shutters of the room were smashed. Madeleine was missing It looks as though someone had gone straight past the twins to get to her. Kate was incredibly upset. I've spoken to her since, and she's still completely devastated."

• "Mark Warner management denied there were signs of forced entry at the flat claiming instead that roller shutters had been slid up and the bedroom window opened."

So, that was the first point of confusion for me and for many others. The shutters had been jemmied, the shutters had been smashed, there was no sign of forced entry.

Then there was the question of, was the apartment locked or unlocked?

Sky News Wednesday May 9th, 2007

Madeleine's aunt Philomena McCann, quoted by Sky News:

"Of Madeleine's disappearance, Ms McCann said: "They (Kate and Gerry) were going back to check a locked apartment where they had left the kids sleeping."

However, it subsequently seems to have been accepted that the apartment was unlocked.

CNN September 10th, 2007

"The parents told police they had left the girl and her siblings asleep in the unlocked apartment as they dined just meters away, checking on them frequently. However, later in the evening they discovered she was missing."

Long before September 10th, though, internet forums had sprung up, dedicated to the disappearance of Madeleine McCann, originally I think based on the question of negligence. Had the McCanns been negligent in leaving their three children alone in the apartment? Of course there were the contradictions about the distance; 20 yards, 40 yards, 50 yards, 100 yards, 120 yards, just like eating in your own back garden, contradictions which gave rise to the production of aerial photos and Google images, showing measurements. Again, no official statement and so people got curious and wanted to find out.

The initial questions about negligence and expanding and contracting distances, were followed by speculation based on, "leaks," from, "official sources," published in the Portuguese and Spanish press. There was much talk about the secrecy laws in Portugal and hence the lack of official information, but in the UK, even with regular police press conferences, I am sure I have never seen so much written about those who might be involved in a criminal investigation, especially once those people were named as, "arguidos," or official suspects.

The Find Maddy Forum on the Daily Mirror was very active for some time, with hundreds of members posting a wide and wild range of theories. This forum was closed down.

What else did I tell my daughter that gave rise to speculation? Well, there was the sighting by Jane Tanner of the man she saw carrying a child. First reports were that the man was carrying a bundle which could have been a child. Eventually, after requests by the McCanns, a sketch was produced from Jane Tanner's description. A local bartender said that the sketch looked like, "an egg with hair," and so, "Eggman," was born on the forums. This sketch was widely printed in the media. Then there seemed to be updates on the description and we were told that Jane Tanner saw a man carrying a child wearing pink pyjamas.

The Sun 20th November, 2007

"Seconds later she saw a man cross from left to right in front of her with a child lolling back in his arms.

Jane said: “It wasn’t unusual to see people with children, even at that time of night. But my attention was drawn to him because the child had bare feet.

“It was a cold night and I thought that was strange because as a mother I would never have taken my child around at that time without something on their feet or a blanket. All I could see of the child was their legs dangling."

And later in the Sun interview:

"Then, at around 11.15, two policemen arrived and I told them. Later CID arrived. They did this thing called a cognitive technique, where they put you back in the moment, and it was then that I remembered the pyjamas. “There were pink and white, they were what Madeleine was wearing. I just felt so awful, I felt I could have stopped this from happening. I think of that everyday."

So, Jane saw a man carrying a child, and all she could see was, "their legs dangling." This is clear from the sketch which was drawn from Jane's description and the pyjamas can be seen in the sketch, which Jane describes as being pink and white. Remember, she saw only the legs of the pyjamas.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/6631255.stm

BBC May 7th, 2007

"Her family confirmed she was wearing white pyjama bottoms with a small floral design and a short-sleeved pink top with a picture of Winnie the Pooh character Eeyore."

So, the pyjama bottoms would not have been pink!

I can appreciate from these things that confused me why lots of people became quite speculative and suspicious about what went on that evening on which Madeleine McCann disappeared. But how did the Express manage to get to such a sorry state? Did they just reprint the reports from Portuguese journals such as Sol, which was one of the first to print details of, "leaks," from, "official sources."? I believe one of the articles printed by the Express, which carried allegations of the involvement of Kate and Gerry in Madeleine's disappearance, was written by a couple of the Express' reporters in Praia da Luz, but did not name their, "sources," and that article, at least, did not appear, if my memory serves me, to be a reprint of something published in a Portuguese journal.

So, where did the Express' reporters get their stories from? "Sources." ?? Very strange for a national newspaper to print such stuff and I can see how it has come to such a sorry state! Printing stories about the parents' involvement in their daughter's disappearance with nothing but, "sources," to back them up is just a bit silly, if anyone were to ask me, which my daughter did!

There has been very little official information about evidence in this case and we have no way of knowing what evidence the PJ may or may not have. All we know at the moment, or think we know, is that the Portuguese police wish to question some of the people who were on holiday with the McCanns about alleged inconsistencies in their initial statements. So, folks, I guess we wait and see. We have theories and wild, wild theories, but we don't know what happened to little Madeleine McCann. All I can add is that if she is alive, and part of me still hopes that she is, that she is unharmed emotionally and physically. If she is dead, then let her be found and laid to rest.

False reporting of Madeleine in Sydney.

http://sosmaddie.dhblogs.be/

"Faux signalement de Maddie à Sydney"

"La police australienne est intervenue après un appel signalant la présence de Madeleine McCann dans une station de trains, au centre du quartier d’affaires à Sydney. Une fois encore il s’agissait d’une fausse alarme car l’enfant, une fillette aux cheveux blonds, était bien accompagnée par son père."

The Australian police intervened after a call indicating the presence of Madeleine McCann in a train station in the business quarter of Sydney. Once again it was a false alarm as the child, a little girl with blonde hair, was accompanied by her father.

"Le temps que la police arrive, le personnel de la compagnie de trains surveillait discrètement le "suspect," un homme dans la quarantaine portant un béret noir. L’information à été révélé ce matin par le journal australien Daily Telegraph " (photo de Stephen Cooper)

By the time the police arrived, the train company's staff were discretely watching the, "suspect," a man in his forties wearing a black beret. The information was revealed this morning by the Australian journal, the Daily Telegraph.

"Depuis sa disparition, il y a presque un an, un nombre important de personnes, un peux partout dans le monde, ont affirmée avoir aperçue la petite britannique. Si certains témoignages sont considérées comme suspects par les autorités, notamment au Maroc, d’autres sont vus comme le résultat d’une trop grande médiatisation."

Since her disappearance, nearly a year ago, a significant numner of people, from all over the world, have claimed to have seen the little British girl. If certain witness statements were considered as, suspicious by the authorities, notably in Morocco, others were seen as the result of too much media attention.

Enfants Kidnappés: Robert Murat under surveillance?

http://www.kidnapping.be/maddie/maddie.html

"Des appareils de surveillances sophistiqués placés chez Robert Murat."

"Le britannique accusé dans l'enquête sur la disparition de Madeleine McCann, a trouvé des dispositifs de surveillance et de localisation dissimulés dans deux voitures, affirme la presse portugaise. La page internet du site immobilier on-line a été piratée. Il s'agit du site romigen.com (Robert - RO - Michaela -MI - et Gen de genèse, soit naissance)."

Sophisticated surveillance equipment placed on Robert Murat.

The Portuguese press states that the British man accused in the enquiry into the disappearance of Madeleine McCann, found surveillance devices and tracking equipment hidden in two cars. The internet page of the online estate agents has been pirated. This is the site, romigen.com. (Robert - RO - Michaela - MI - Gen for genesis, being creation)

"Le compte de courrier électronique a été dévié vers une autre adresse. L'avocat de Robert Murat aurait reçu la semaine dernière la preuve la plus importante, une copie d'un e-mail pirate. L'intrusion informatique a été détectée par Robert Murat lui même vers Noël. Sergey Malinka, ami de Murat et informaticien, lui a téléphoné parce qu'il trouvait étrange la demande que Murat lui avait envoyé par e-mail. Or, Murat n'a pas envoyé cet e-mail."

The email had been diverted to a another address. Last week, Robert Murat's lawyer received the lost important proof, a copy of a pirate email. The intrusion had been detected by Robert Murat himself around Christmas time. Sergey Malinka, a friend of Murat and a computer expert, telephined him because he strange the request that Murat had sent to him by email. However, Murat did not send that email.

"Rappelons que dans la phase initial des recherches sur la disparition de Madeleine, la PJ avait enquêté sur Malinka et avait saisi son matériel informatique, mais le ressortissant russe n'a pas été placé sous statut d'arguido."

Let's remember that in the initial phase of the enquiry into Madeleine's disappearance, the PJ had investigated Malinka and had seized his computer equipment, but the Russian citizen had not been placed under arguido status.

"Avant le coup de fil de Malinka, Robert Murat avait fait d'autres découvertes. Un jour il a voulu réparer une panne de son utilitaire Volkswagen Transporteur vert. Il s'est mis en dessous du véhicule et a découvert un étrange dispositif collé sous le véhicule. Il a vérifié la Skoda Fabia qu'il avait prêté à Michaela Walczuch, et sous la voiture était collé également un dispositif de localisation."

Before the phone call from Malinka, Robert Murat had made other discoveries. One day he wanted to repair a problem with his green Volkswagen Transporter. He got under the vehicle and discovered a strange device stuck underneath it. He checked the Skoda Fabia which he had lent to Michaela Walczuch, and under that car was stuck a tracking device.

"La PJ a été appelée sur place et les deux appareils ont été saisis. Les policiers ont garanti ne rien à voir avec ces appareils. Les appareils utilisés enregistrent les déplacements des véhicules sous lesquels ils se trouvent. Après quoi il suffit de les relier à un PC via un port USB pour obtenir les informations voulues. Notons que ce genre d'appareils est en vente libre sur le Net pour environs 180 €"

The PJ was called to the site and the two devices were seized. The police guarantee that they have nothing to do with these devices. The devices used record the movements of the vehicles under which they are placed. After that it is sufficient to connect to a PC via a USB port to obtain the wanted information. We note that this type of equipment is openly sold on the net for around €180.

"Les deux véhicules avaient été saisis en août dernier par la PJ et y sont restés deux jours. Notons que ce genre de procédé est monnaie courante dans de nombreux pays européen, malgré le fait, que bien souvent, ce procédé est formellement interdit par la loi de ces mêmes pays. Souvent utilisé par diverses polices mais toujours niés officiellement."

Both vehicles had been seized by the PJ last August and had been kept by them for two days. We note that this type of procedure is common practice in a number of European countries, in spite of the fact that quite often this procedure is strictly forbidden in law in these same countries. Often used by different police forces, but always officially denied.

"Ceci ne signifie pas que la PJ soit "coupable" de les avoir placé. En effet, d'autres auraient pu avoir intérêt à placer un "mouchard" sur ces véhicules... Metodo3 en tête. D'autant que ces méthodes entrent assez bien dans leur façon d'agir. Mais d'autres, encore, auraient pu avoir recours à ce dispositif.... certains journalistes d'investigation auraient très bien pu faire installer ce genre d'appareils... Mais également certains "auteurs" ou "co-auteurs" dans la disparition de Madeleine auraient pu avoir intérêt à suivre les déplacements de Robert Murat."

This does not mean that the PJ is guilty of having placed them. In fact, others could have had an interest in placing a, "spy," in these vehicles...Metodo3 comes to mind. Especially as these methods are well within their way of working. But there are others who could have had recourse to this activity....certain investigative journalists could very well have installed this type of equipment...But equally certain, "authors," or, "co-authors," in Madeleine's disappearance could have an interest in following Robert Murat's movements.

Telecino5: update on Mari Luz autopsy news

Telecino5, the Spanish TV channel has reported more news on the two autopsies, carried out on the body of little Mari Luz Cortés.

The body of Mari Luz was found in the Ria de Huelva a week ago and there have been two autopsies carried out, one at the request of Mari Luz's father Juan José.

The sad news being reported in what Telecino describes as the, "definitive, " results of the autopsies, is that Mari Luz died by suffocation, before being thrown into the water. Injuries to her head and ribs were also ante-mortem.

"The child’s father, Juan José Cortés, has called for time to ‘cry in silence’ and says that he will fight to find who is responsible and to see them pay for what they have done.

Police say they think a local person may have seen Mari Luz with her killer, but is too frightened to come forward."

(Translation of news report by bugalugs1970 on the Three Arguidos forum.)

http://www.the3arguidos.net

Rodney Reed oral arguments before notorious judge March 19th

Oral arguments in the quest for a new trial for Rodney Reed will be heard on Wednesday March 19th at the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals. The presiding judge of the CCA, Judge Sharon Keller, has come under fire recently for denying the appeal of Michael Richard -- the last person to be executed in Texas as national de facto moratorium on executions took effect -- because she was unwilling to keep the court open after 5 PM.

Rodney Reed deserves a new trial, where evidence of his innocence can finally be heard in court. Evidence was hidden by police and prosecutors that implicate another suspect in the murder of Stacey Stites. Read the attached fact sheet for an overview of the case. Rodney’s defense has long posited that Jimmy Fennell, the fiance of Stacey, is the more likely suspect in this crime. For recent developments surrounding Jimmy Fennell check out:

http://www.statesman.com/news/content/news/stories/local/01/07/0107fennell.html

http://www.statesman.com/news/content/news/stories/local/03/09/0309fennell.html

"Who is Rodney Reed?"

"Rodney Reed has been on Texas’ death row since 1998. He was convicted for the 1996 murder of Stacey Stites in the small town of Bastrop. Stacey’s brutal murder struck at the very heart of the community, not only for its brutality, but for the sinister chain of events it would set into motion. Rodney’s case is a troubling mixture of prosecutoral misconduct, police corruption, poor defense, and institutional racism. Evidence of Rodney’s innocence is overwhelming and the need for a new trial is indisputable."

To read more about this disturbing case visit:

http://freerodneyreed.org/who.html

To voice your support for Rodney, you can call on one of these numbers:

TEXAS COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS
(512) 463-1551

ATTORNEY GENERAL GREG ABBOTT
(512) 463-2100

If you live anywhere near the court, you can attend.

ATTEND ORAL ARGUMENTS IN THE CASE OF RODNEY REED
WEDNESDAY MARCH 19, 9 AM
TEXAS COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS 201 14TH STREET

Enter through glass doors on plaza which face out to Congress on north side of Capitol. The courtroom should be on the right, or ask at the desk for directions

Update: Rodney Reed's mother, Sandra, will be speaking at this event in Austin, Texas, on April 9th.

CEDP’s 2007 – 2008 National Speaking Tour
A Broken System – Crying out For Justice

In Austin, April 9, 2008
At UT, The Texas Union, Chicano Culture Room

Featuring Mothers of Texas Death Row Prisoners:

Anna Terrell - mother of Reginald Blanton
Lee Greenwood – mother of Joseph Nichols, killed March 7, 2007

Sandra Reed – mother of Rodney Reed

Also a “Live From Death Row” Event, with a live call from a death row prisoner.

So Save the Date!

Arade dam: reports of a bag of bones being found

There have apparently been reports on Spanish TV this evening that a bag of bones was found in the lake of the Arade dam, today, Friday. The bag was covered in mud and was found only a metre away from where the sock was found this week. Inside the bag was a plastic bag and inside that were small bones. The bag was set aside and the PJ contacted. It was reported that th bag was found at just after 3pm.

Esta PasandoTele 5 and Telecino the Spanish channel are both reported to have carried the story. A vet was brought in and was shown on TV washing the bones in the water. It seems to have been confirmed that the remains found in the bag are animal bones and some pieces have been taken for laboratory examination.

Ex-PJ inspector Pavlo Christovao was interviewed on Esta Pasando Tele 5 and he is reported as saying, "We know what happened and we are now very close to the truth. The problem," he went on to say, "is knowing what happened and proving it. The two concepts are completely different but we are very close."

So, it looks like what was found was the evidence of some person's cruelty to animals; small bones in a bag, tied with ropes and weighed down. Some vile person has disposed of unwanted small animals by the look of it.

Very interesting comments from Pavlo Christovao.

SOS Madeleine McCann: "Metodo3 detective paid witnesses in Morocco."

http://sosmaddie.dhblogs.be/

"13.03.2008

"Détective de M3 à payé des témoins au Maroc"

M3 à tout fait pour garder les McCann

"Un des détectives travaillant pour Metodo 3 aurait payé des témoins qui ont affirmé avoir aperçue Madeleine au Maroc. L’accusation est faite par une source de la sureté marocaine, responsable de l’interrogatoire des témoins dans le royaume, ou les méthodes de travail de Metodo 3 sont mises en cause par les autorités."

A Metodo3 detective paid witnesses in Morocco.

M3 did everything to keep the MCanns

One of the detectives working for Metodo 3 had paid witnesses who claimed to have seen Madeleine in Morrocco. The accusation is made by a source from Morroccan security, responsible for witness interrogation in the kingdom, where Metodo 3's working methods are criticised by the authorities.

"L’arrestation, d’António Jiménez, un des détectives privés au service des McCann, accusé d’implication dans le vol de plusieurs centaines de kilos de cocaïne et de corruption de fonctionnaires publics, est venu renforcer les suspicions des autorités à propos du travail de l’agence."

The arrest of Antonio Jimenez, one of the private detectives working for the McCanns, who is accused of links to the theft of several hundred kilos of cocaine and corruption of public servants, has reinforced the authorities suspicions regarding the work of the agency.

"Dans le rapport d’audition, un des témoins entendues par la sureté marocaine à admis avoir reçu plusieurs milliers d’euros du détective espagnol qui lui avait demandé de garder l’arrangement secret "pour ne pas affecter les investigations".

In the report of the interview, one of the witnesses heard by Morroccan security admitted to having received several thousand Euros from the Spanish detective, who asked him to keep the arrangement secret, "in order to not affect the investigations"

"António Jiménez, ancien inspecteur-chef de l’Unité de Drogues et Crime Organisé (Udyco) de la police à Barcelone, était l’homme de confiance de Francisco Marco, le directeur de M3, au Maroc. C’est lui qui avait "retrouvée" plusieurs témoins qui ont affirmé avoir vu Madeleine dans le nord du pays. L’homme à même conduit plusieurs journalistes britanniques à la rencontre des témoins."

Antonio Jimenez, former chief inspector of the Unit for Drugs and Organised Crime, of the Barcelona police, was the trusted man in Morrocco of Francisco Marco, the director of M3 in Morocco. It was he who had "found" several witnesses who claimed to have seen Madeleine in the north of the country. The man even took several British journalists to the meet the witnesses.

"Selon la même source, le versement d’argent aurait pu avoir été fait à l’insu de Gerry et Kate McCann, ce que poussent les investigateurs à croire que le détective aurait agit avec l’intention de permettre à l’agence de Barcelone de "marquer des points" auprès de l’opinion publique et de garder ainsi, pour plus longtemps, le contrat avec les parents de Madeleine, leur plus gros client en ce moment"

According to the same source, the payments could have been made without the knowledge of Gerry and Kate McCann, which would push the investigators to believe that the detective had acted with the intention of allowing the Barcelona agency to, "score points," with public opinion and to keep for longer, the contract with Madeleine's parents, who are their biggest clients at the moment.

"Nous avons pu déterminer, avec ce que le témoin nous à appris et les informations que nous avons reçu d’Espagne, que les parents de Madeleine n’ont pas demandé au détective d’agir de la sorte," affirme le responsable de la sûreté marocaine, rajoutant "qu’il n’est pas exclu que l’agence de détectives puisse être la seule responsable de ces faits".

"We have been able to determine, with what the witness told us and the information that we have received from Spain, that Madeleine's parents did not ask the detective to behave in this way," stated the head of Moroccan security, adding that, "it is not ruled out that the detective agency could have been solely responsible for these acts ."

"Déjà en novembre de 2007, en marge de la 76éme assemblée-générale d’Interpol, à Marrakech, le Ministre de l’Intérieur marocain, Chakib Benmoussa affirmait "qu’il n’y avait aucune raison de penser que la petite Madeleine McCann puisse être au Maroc", une opinion confirmée par les investigateurs sur le terrain."

Previously, in November 2007, on the sidelines of the 76th Interpol General Assembly, in Marrakech, Morocco's Minister for the Interior, Chakib Benmoussa, stated that, "there has been no reason to think that little Madeleine could be in Morocco," an opinion confirmed by investigators on the ground.

"Plusieurs voix liées à la police portugaise et britannique se sont soulevées, à diverses occasions, pour critiquer le travail de Metodo 3. C’est le cas de Mark Williams-Thomas, criminaliste britannique et expert en matière de protection d'enfant, pour qui la piste invoquée par Metodo 3 de que Madeleine aurait été enlevée, sur commande, par un réseau pédophile et transportée vers le Maroc, "démontre un manque de connaissance des pédophiles et de comment ils fonctionnent."

Several voices, linked to the Portuguese and British police, have been raised on different occasions, to criticise the work of Matodo3. This is the case with Mark Williams-Thomas, British criminologist and expert on the subject of child protection, for whom the trail followed by Metodo3 that Madeleine had been abducted, to order, by a paedophile network and taken to Morocco, "demonstrates a lack of understanding of paedophiles and how they operate."

"Depuis la disparition de Madeleine McCann, le 3 mai 2007, plusieurs dizaines de témoins ont affirmé avoir aperçue la petite britannique, mais c’est après l’engagement de Metodo 3 que les témoignages dans les médias sont devenues plus réguliers, indiquant à chaque fois une piste vers le Maroc, sans que l’agence de détectives puisse, à ce jour, apporter la moindre preuve."

Since Madeleine McCann's disappearance, on May 3rd 2007, several dozen witnesses have claimed to have seen the little British girl, but it is after Metodo3 were contracted that the witness statements in the media have become more regular, indicating each time a trail towards Morocco, without the detective agency, to this day, being able to offer the least proof.

"Francisco Marco, le directeur très médiatique de Metodo 3, avait fait son apparition avec la promesse de que la fillette serait retrouvée avant la fin d’un contrat de six mois avec Kate et Gerry McCann. Francisco prétendait même connaître l’identité des auteurs de l’enlèvement et que Madeleine serait auprès de ses parents pour noël."

Francisco Marco, the high-profile director of Metodo3, had made an appearance with the promise that the little girl would be found before the end of a six month contract with Kate and Gerry McCann. Francisco even claimed that he knew the identity of the perpetrators of the abduction and that Madeleine would be with her parents for Christmas.

"Ce n’est pas la première fois que les membres de M3 sont mis en cause. Dans le passé, cinq membres de l'agence de Barcelone avaient déjà été arretés par la police dans une sombre histoire d’ecoutes illégales et de corruption, notamment Francisco Marco, sa mère, Maria Fernandez Lado, son père, Francisco Marco Poyuelo, son frère Francisco Gabriel Fernandez Lado, et un employé, Oscar Trujillo."

This is not the first time that members of M3 have been involved. In the past, five members of the Barcelona agency were arrested by the police in a serious story about illegal phone-tapping and corruption, notably Francisco Marco, his mother Maria Fernandez Lado, his father Francisco Marco Poyuelo, his brother Francisco Gabriel Fernandez Lado, and an employee Oscar Trujillo.

"Tous les moyens sont bons"

"Clarence Mitchell, questionné à propos des accusations faites à Metodo 3, commence par affirmer "qu’il n'en sais rien", et qu’il "n’est pas en mesure de faire un commentaire," mais vite il reprend son rôle de responsable en communication et relativise affirmant que "tous les moyens sont bons" pour les investigations des détectives privées : "C’est possible que au cours de l’investigation ils ont pu payer des renseignements", à admis le responsable en communication au service des McCann."

Clarence Mitchell, questioned about the accusations made against Metodo3, begins by stating, "that he knows nothing about it," and, "he is unable to comment," but quickly he takes up his role again as PR spokesperson and rationalises, stating that, "all methods are good," for the investigations of the private detectives: "It is possible that in the course of the investigation that they could have paid for information," admitted the PR spokesperson working for the McCanns.

"Metodo 3, affirme Clarence Mitchell, "garde la confiance de ceux qui paient leurs frais, car ils trouvent qu'ils démontrent leur engagement et passion à retrouver Madeleine"

Clarence Mitchell states that Metodo3, "keep the trust of those who pay their fees, because they find that they demonstrate their commitment and passion to find Madeleine. "

"Les mécènes sont contents avec leur travail sur le terrain... des fois ils ont pu traquer des signalements très rapidement… dans certains cas dans l'espace de trois heures et ils sont tout simplement plus rapides, beaucoup plus rapides qu'Interpol ou les services de police dans les pays où ils opèrent et donc les mécènes pensent qu''ils font du bon travail," affirme Clarence rajoutant "bien sûr, ils n'ont pas encore trouvé Madeleine, mais la police non plus". Nous savons que M3 travaille bien, ils n'ont pas besoin de le prouver", conclu Clarence Mitchell"

"The patrons are happy with their work on the ground....the times they were able to track down the alerts very quickly...in certain cases in the space of three hours and they are, quite simply, faster, much faster than Interpol or the police forces in the countries where they operate and so the patrons think that they are doing good work," states Clarence Mitchell, adding, "of course they have not yet found Madeleine, but neither have the police. We know that M3 work well. They have no need to prove it," concludes Clarence Mitchell.

Arade dam: Matodo3 have arrived!

http://www.kidnapping.be/maddie/maddie.html

"Método3 se rend sur place !"

"Une équipe de Método3 est arrivé, aujourd'hui, en Algarve afin de participer aux recherches nous apprend la presse portugaise. Des morceaux de cordes, des sacs en plastique et une chaussette blanche (à l'origine) dont le tissu est originaire du nord de l'Europe ou d'Angleterre, ont été trouvés dans le fond des eaux du lac du barrage de Arade. Ces trouvailles ont renforcé la profonde conviction de l'avocat portugais Aragao Correia que le corps de la petite Madeleine McCann s'y trouve."

We learn from the Portuguese press that a team from Metodo3 arrived today in the Algarve to participate in the research. Pieces of rope, plastic bags and a white sock (originally white) of which the fabric originates from northern Europe or England, were found in the waters of the Arade Dam. These findings Have reinforced the profound conviction of the Portuguese lawyer, Aragao Correia, that the body of Madeleine McCann is to be found there.

"Les recherches avaient été entamée il y a trois semaines déjà mais sans succès. Depuis lundi une équipe de sept plongeurs aidé par des professionnels des Pompiers Volontaires de Portimao, spécialisés en recherche de cadavre dans les eaux profondes, sont en train d'effectuer des recherches dans les eaux du lac. recherches onéreuses financer à titre privé par l'avocat portugais d'une part et d'autre part par la Société Portugaise d'Ingénieur et de Construction dirigée par José Paias. L'avocat est convaincu qu'il y a 99% de certitudes que le corps de Madeleine soit dans le lac et qu'elle a été tuée et jetée dans le lac deux jours après sa disparition."

The search had been started three weeks ago but without success. Since Monday, a team of seven divers, helped by professionals from the Volunteer Firefighters of Portimao, specialised in searching for a body in deep water, have been carrying out searches in the waters of the lake, searches onorous financially to carry out privately by the lawyer on the one hand and on the other by the Portuguese Society of Engineering and Construction, led by José Paias. The lawyer in convinced that there is a 99% certainty that Madeleine's body is in the lake and that she was killed and thrown into the lake two days after her disappearance.

"Les parents McCann sont furieux à propos de ces recherches !"

"Kate et Gerry ont réagi avec "fureur", selon la presse britannique, en apprenant que des plongeurs avaient commencé des fouilles dans le lac. Le couple a déclaré que ces recherches étaient une "fantaisie", n'ayant d'autre but que de se faire de "la publicité" en distrayant le public de la vraie recherche de la petite Maddie qui, selon les parents, serait en vie quelque part. Des proches des parents ont déclaré: "Il n'y a aucune preuve que Madeleine soit dans le réservoir".

The McCann parents are furious about these searches.

Kate and Gerry reacted with, "fury," according to the British press, on learning that the divers had started excavations at the lake. The couple stated that the searches were a, "fantasy," having no other purpose than to attract , "publicity," for themselves while distracting the public from the real search for little Madeleine who, according to the parents, is alive somewhere. Relatives of the parents stated, "There is no proof that Madeleine is in the reservoir.

"Un show TV sur ITV"

"Les parents McCann sont en pourparler avec la chaîne ITV à propos d'un documentaire sur les enfants disparus. Le film mettra en scène Kate et Gerry ainsi que leurs expériences en se concentrant sur la manière dont les différents pays réagissent lors de la disparition d'un enfant. L'émission se penchera sur le projet Amber aux États-Unis, qui affiche sur des panneaux d'affichage des alertes dès qu'un enfant disparaît."

A TV show for ITV

The McCann parents are in talks with the channel ITV about a documentary on missing children. The film will feature Kate and Gerry and their experiences, concentrating on the ways that different countries react to the disappearance of a child. The production will focus on the Amber project in the United States, which posts alerts on billboards when a child disappears.

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It seems to me that for a system like the Amber Alert to work well, there needs to be as much information as possible to be placed with the alert. After all, the information is supposed to, "alert," other people to look out for the child. That information, as far as I have seen on Amber Alert tickers, usually includes a good description of the child, where they were last seen, what the child was wearing and description of person(s) and vehicles thought to be involved.

So, immediately following Madeleine's disappearance, would an Amber Alert have been useful? What information would have been available?

Last seen in her bed in a holiday apartment in Praia da Luz, wearing white...um.. no....pink pyjamas with Eeyore image. No vehicle description available. Person to look out for in connection with the disappearance? Well, a local bartender, shown a sketch from a witness' description, said the suspect looked like, "an egg with hair."

So, to sum up the information! Holiday apartment, pink Eeyore pyjamas, egg with hair, blonde female child 90cm tall.

Well, not very helpful, I imagine!