Madeleine McCann’s parents lose court case against Portugal detective

The parents of Madeleine McCann have lost their European court of human rights (ECHR) challenge to the Portuguese supreme court’s decision to dismiss their libel case against Gonçalo Amaral, former detective who implicated them in their daughter’s disappearance.

In 2015, a Lisbon court ordered Amaral, to pay €500,000 to Madeleine’s parents. But an appeal court overturned the decision in 2016 and, in 2017, the supreme court also found against the McCanns.

The couple went to the ECHR to seek redress, relying on the European convention on human rights – including articles conferring the right to a fair hearing (article 6) and the right to respect for private and family life (article 8) – to argue that Amaral’s statements damaged their reputation, their good name and their right to be presumed innocent.

However,  7  judges unanimously decided that there had been no violation of article 8.

The judges ruled the complaint under article 6 to be inadmissible because they said the Portuguese supreme court did not appear to have made comments implying guilt on the part of Madeleine’s parents or suspicion against them.

The McCanns now have three months to appeal against the decision.

Suffering a dispute can have serious implications on you and your livelihood.  Our litigation solicitors will quickly and efficiently put your case together and act on your behalf. Call Vijay Srivastava or Shalish Mehta in the litigation department on 0161 624 6811(Option 6) or email vjs@wrigleyclaydon.com or sm@wrigleyclaydon.com. We can advise you on the appropriate course of action and assist with any legal documents or proceedings that may occur.

Civil Litigation
Dispute Resolution
Commercial Litigation
Defamation Solicitors