Put Up Or Shut Up

Suspect Robert Murat will today challenge Portuguese cops to reveal what evidence they have against him – or clear him. (The Sun Wednesday 2nd January 2008)

In Portuguese law investigations are shrouded in secrecy. But a recent change to the penal code means details have to be disclosed after eight months.

It is eight months tomorrow since Maddie vanished in the Algarve resort of Praia da Luz on May 3. Ex-pat Brit Murat, 34, was back in the spotlight this week, after nine witnesses told cops that he was seen lurking near the McCanns’ apartment on the night Maddie went missing.

But his lawyer Francisco Pagarete told The Sun: “After eight months that is the end of the inquiry.

“He must be either accused or advised of the suspicions against him. If they postpone the deadline they will have to tell us why. The public prosecutor either accuses him or doesn’t. And that is what I am hoping will happen. We have not had any communications from the police since August. Obviously they have already cleared Robert, it is just a question of the deadline.”