Madeleine McCann’s parents say they are “disappointed” to lose their legal battle over comments made by a former Portuguese detective.
Goncalo Amaral has claimed in a book, a documentary and a newspaper interview that Kate and Gerry McCann were involved in the disappearance of their three-year-old daughter.
On Tuesday, the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) dismissed the couple’s complaint that Portuguese authorities had failed to respect their right to private and family life in their defamation case against Mr Amaral.
The ECHR ruled that there had been widespread publicity about the claims against Mr Amaral before his book was published in July 2008. It was also seen that their reputation was not damaged by that, but by them being official. Suspect for a short time.
The McCanns now have three months to appeal the decision.
In a statement released by their lawyers, the McCanns said: “We are naturally disappointed by the decision of the European Court of Human Rights announced today.
“However, a lot has changed since we started legal proceedings against its publisher and broadcaster, Mr. Amaral, 13 years ago.
“We took action for one and only reason: Mr. Amaral’s baseless claims were having a detrimental effect on Madeleine’s investigation.
“If the public believes we are involved in her disappearance, people will not be alert for potential clues and report relevant information to relevant law enforcement agencies.”
They expressed their gratitude for the work of British, German and Portuguese police, before adding their hope that those responsible for their daughter’s disappearance would be brought to justice.
Madeleine disappeared from her family’s holiday apartment in Praia da Luz on 3 May 2007 while her parents dined at a nearby restaurant.
