Portuguese minister reveals: We didn’t charge Maddie’s parents out of compassion

[ShiningInLuz]

We have already be told this is a report and not set in stone about innocence or guilt about abandonment, The reasons have already been given as to why this was not done by those who knew better on the ground. Their WAS enough evidence to have charged them with abandonment. The Tapas group were very much aware of this because in early statements we got this from Gerry "It was like sitting in your garden". I will suggest that the PJ were undermined and overwhelmed by the whole bloody circus the McCanns created in the beginning.

As far as speculation is concerned, it is a viable, and reasonable argument to suggest a court of LAW should be the place for deciding IF the tapas were guilty of abandonment or not.  Saying it in a report is not credible to establish this.

I take it if you were 'involved' in a crime, the police investigated and found insufficient evidence to charge you, the prosecution service agreed there was insufficient evidence to take you to court, that you should be dragged into court anyway.

I prefer the current system.

[Miss Taken Identity]

I take it if you were 'involved' in a crime, the police investigated and found insufficient evidence to charge you, the prosecution service agreed there was insufficient evidence to take you to court, that you should be dragged into court anyway.

I prefer the current system.

I also prefer that system, when it works !  however, I am making the argument, and commenting on: that there were reasons other than "no evidence" (as there clearly is plenty of evidence of abandonment). It has been mentioned that there were other reasons for not charging the Tapas with abandonment, many mentioned.
The other argument is would  this no evidence mantra stand up in a court of law I would suggest not. And I have given reasons for my belief in previous posts.

Many other people are questioning why they were not charged with abandonment, or that this was not investigated properly to show evidence. I blame the circus and the 'victim status' of the parents. There is evidence that they failed to protect their daughter, and facilitated her disappearance by not being there,the risk assessment of what they did was huge! a temporary abandonment per say could lead to all sorts of harm- one of them being worst case scenario child being abducted? by Paedophiles?

[pegasus]

what political pressure...you are quoting opinion as fact

At the beginning there were efforts made, by a lawyer who was paid to fly out there, to counter any potential abandonment charge.

[Benice]

They left their children several nights in a row in an unlocked apartment, which was locked during the day.

Their 'intention' in doing that was so that they could check on the children more quickly than having to go the long way round. There is no other intention re the unlocked door.     That is evidence in itself that it was their intention to return to 5a to make regular checks.   The fact that they did make regular checks was given by the AG as one reason why their actions did not constitute abandonment. 

If they had arrested the McCanns and their friends, they would have to explain why they were not arresting every other holidaymaker in Portugal who was using the same method of childcare - or who used baby alarms to do the same on a nightly basis when they went to dinner.

IMO

[Mr Gray]

it seems there has to be intent...the Mccanns did not intend for Maddie to be harmed...they thought it was safe...they were wrong

[pegasus]

it seems there has to be intent...the Mccanns did not intend for Maddie to be harmed...they thought it was safe...they were wrong

Isn't the abandonment issue the reason a lawyer was flown out there?

[slartibartfast]

I take it if you were 'involved' in a crime, the police investigated and found insufficient evidence to charge you, the prosecution service agreed there was insufficient evidence to take you to court, that you should be dragged into court anyway.

I prefer the current system.

Do we know that the both the police and prosecution service found insufficient evidence?

[G-Unit]

This is the first time I can recall the Portuguese authorities speaking out on the record. First the Appeal Court slapped the McCann's hands, now the neglect is being discussed.

[ShiningInLuz]

Do we know that the both the police and prosecution service found insufficient evidence?

Archiving report, authored by the police, stated no evidence to prosecute.

To actually archive the case, it needs the approval of someone (not certain who) outside of the police force to agree to the report that the investigation should stop.

Two separate branches of the judicial system.

[John]

This is the first time I can recall the Portuguese authorities speaking out on the record. First the Appeal Court slapped the McCann's hands, now the neglect is being discussed.

Oh dear, the can of worms is truly being opened now.  This will surely finish the Portuguese cooperation once and for all.

[Lace]

They left their children several nights in a row in an unlocked apartment, which was locked during the day.

They were gone for longer than half an hour during the day weren't they?    Who would know the patio doors were open,  if they hadn't been watched?

[G-Unit]

They were gone for longer than half an hour during the day weren't they?    Who would know the patio doors were open,  if they hadn't been watched?

According to Fiona it was left open so Madeleine could exit and find her parents, however unbelievably stupid that sounds.

[stephen25000]

They were gone for longer than half an hour during the day weren't they?    Who would know the patio doors were open,  if they hadn't been watched?

Was it burgled during daytime ?

[Lace]

Was it burgled during daytime ?

I don't believe they went in through the patio doors,  there was too many people up and down there,  I think they used the front door.

People were burgled during the daytime.

[stephen25000]

I don't believe they went in through the patio doors,  there was too many people up and down there,  I think they used the front door.

People were burgled during the daytime.

Not in that apartment.