So what's next in the libel trial saga?

[Carana]

What's next?

- Has Amaral found a new lawyer yet?
- The McCanns will have to submit documentation to the satisfaction of the judge as to whether Madeleine was eligible to be represented in court or not.
- Those required to be in court will need to be present for the next episode of the saga.

Anything else?

[Eleanor]

The only thing I can think of at the moment is, "How much longer is this going to take?"

[Carana]

The only thing I can think of at the moment is, "How much longer is this going to take?"

At least another decade, I expect, as whatever happens will probably go through various appeals.

Hopefully Madeleine will have been found by then.

[jassi]

At least another decade, I expect, as whatever happens will probably go through various appeals.

Hopefully Madeleine will have been found by then.

Another decade and she won't be a child  (if still alive)

[Carana]

Another decade and she won't be a child  (if still alive)

She would still be a missing person unless found in the meantime.

[jassi]

I fear she will always be a missing person

[ferryman]

At least another decade, I expect, as whatever happens will probably go through various appeals.

Hopefully Madeleine will have been found by then.

I'm far from convinced of that, you know.

There has to be a basis of appeal.

In heaven's name, what?

[Mr Gray]

look up the definition of libel...libel has been established...the court will decide if amaral has any defence to the charge of libel...if you have read the witness statements...you will see that this is exactly what amaral has been trying to do...he has been trying to prove that his libellous statements are supported by the files...

[slartibartfast]

He has the technical permission to appeal.

But he must find a basis.

I can't for the life of me think what.

Suppose the McCanns lose, do you think they wouldn't have a basis to appeal?

[Mr Gray]

Suppose the McCanns lose, do you think they wouldn't have a basis to appeal?

according to a Portuguese poster who I think understands the law there could be several appeals., BUT I think the truth is we don t really know

[ferryman]

Suppose the McCanns lose, do you think they wouldn't have a basis to appeal?

I am, perhaps arrogantly (but I believe my arrogance is justified) taking it as a given that the McCanns will win, simply because there is so much they can prove that lowers their reputation and is untrue.

Where does Amaral go from there?

[Carana]

I'm far from convinced of that, you know.

There has to be a basis of appeal.

In heaven's name, what?

Murat's lawyer found bases for appeal (not all were accepted, however).

[Carana]

I am, perhaps arrogantly (but I believe my arrogance is justified) taking it as a given that the McCanns will win, simply because there is so much they can prove that lowers their reputation and is untrue.

Where does Amaral go from there?

I would totally agree with you if the case was being tried in the UK. However, it isn't.

[Mr Gray]

I would totally agree with you if the case was being tried in the UK. However, it isn't.

you only have to look at..

one...the state of amaral...he understands the law

two...amarals witnesses...they have all been trying to show amarals book is the same as the files...ie...trying to justify amarals libel

[Carana]

you only have to look at..

one...the state of amaral...he understands the law

two...amarals witnesses...they have all been trying to show amarals book is the same as the files...ie...trying to justify amarals libel

Yes, I'd agree that the thrust of his defence in terms of witnesses was to establish that what he'd stated was in the files and, curiously, a number of his witnesses were rather vague as to what they'd read or watched.

ETA: Some of it was in the files, other parts seem to rely on hearsay which isn't, and then there is a certain amount of literary licence. And what he considers to be in the files was only up until he was removed from the case... although to read or listen to him beyond the early days, you'd never know that.