Kate and Gerry McCann's lawyer has attacked sections of the media for levelling 'inhumane' slurs against the couple. Carlos Pinto de Abreu spoke after the pair confirmed they are suing a Portuguese newspaper which claimed they killed Madeleine.The statement said: "To be deprived of a daughter and to not know what has happened to her, or where and in what condition she might be, to not know if she might be suffering or if she is being hurt is probably the most terrible trial that could happen to anyone."
"Obviously, this is not something that often happens, but it did happen to Kate Healy and Gerry McCann."
"In addition to the police investigations already underway, institutions in particular and society in general should, not only raise their voices against kidnappings and disappearances, but should also show solidarity with the victims and their families."
"The press has engaged in a horrific exercise in scandal mongering, replete with rumours and lurid commentaries which are all aimed at one thing: to sell more TV time and newspaper space to advertisers."
"Fortunately so far only a few character assassinating, tabloid-style outlets have gone beyond the limits of decency. Enough!" (Sky News)