Brueckner’s lawyer claims trial is part of a witch-hunt

The trial of Christian Brueckner, the prime suspect in the Madeleine McCann case, was abruptly suspended after just nine minutes. The hearing at Braunschweig Regional Court focused on rape charges unrelated to the McCann case, was adjourned due to a judge’s controversial comments.

Brueckner, 47, arrived at court in handcuffs, wearing a purple shirt and blue linen blazer. However, the trial was quickly halted when his lawyer, Dr Friedrich Fülscher, raised concerns about one of the lay judges assigned to the case. Dr Fülscher claimed that the judge had made social media posts advocating violence, including calling for the assassination of a president.

The trial was suspended while a replacement lay judge was sought. Outside the court, Dr Fülscher criticized the media for adding to Brueckner’s stress, stating that his client’s health had suffered from being in solitary confinement for two years.

Brueckner, who is serving a seven-year sentence for rape, faces allegations of raping three women and sexually molesting children in Portugal. He has been identified as the main suspect in the 2007 abduction of Madeleine McCann but has not been charged in connection with her disappearance. Dr Fülscher vowed to defend Brueckner vigorously, claiming the charges were part of a witch-hunt.

In a shocking twist, Brueckner mocked police from behind bars, describing the trial as “ridiculous” and expressing hope that they would find answers to their questions soon. He remains isolated, only permitted to communicate with his lawyers and guards.