Residents in the German city of Braunschweig are up in arms over the return of Christian Brueckner, the main suspect in the disappearance of Madeleine McCann. A petition has been circulating to push him out of his new residence, with one concerned resident, a mother of two, expressing discomfort over his presence and the constant police surveillance of his property.
Brueckner, 49, drew ire by relocating back to Braunschweig, where he had previously operated a kiosk, after being linked to the high-profile case. Following his release from prison last year for a rape conviction, he moved around northern Germany before settling temporarily in Neumünster and Kiel due to safety concerns and threats against him.
Currently residing in a friend’s apartment in the same neighborhood, Brueckner is under tight police surveillance, with officers monitoring him around the clock. Despite no significant incidents reported so far, authorities remain cautious about potential dangers linked to him.
The extensive police operation, involving two officers monitoring Brueckner in eight-hour shifts, has already consumed substantial resources, with thousands of hours and significant costs incurred. This deployment has also diverted experienced officers from other cases, impacting police resources in the region.
Brueckner, who is living off benefits, is required to wear a monitoring tag for five years, further highlighting the level of scrutiny he faces in his new community. He has expressed feeling targeted and marginalized, stating that some locals wish harm upon him, questioning the lack of compassion and understanding towards his situation.
German prosecutors consider Brueckner the prime suspect in Madeleine McCann’s disappearance in Portugal in 2007 but have not charged him in connection to the case. Despite facing accusations of further crimes, including rape and child abuse, Brueckner maintains his innocence, emphasizing his lack of involvement in the McCann case.
During a recent trial, an expert characterized Brueckner as highly dangerous, with a significant risk of reoffending if released. The case against him is currently under appeal, with authorities reviewing the verdict to determine further legal actions against him.