Has the search for Madeleine McCann ground to a halt?

[jassi]

Seems to me that until she is discovered in one of these countries, there is little point in giving  any thought about extradition.

[Eleanor]

Which country do you think she is in...

There are 33 countries with which Britain does not have an extradition agreement: Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Belarus, Bhutan, Cameroon, China, Dominican Republic, Egypt, Ethiopia, Georgia, Iran, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Madagascar, Mongolia, Namibia, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, UAE, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Venezuela and Yemen.

Thanks, Slarty.  I don't think Madeleine is any particular country as such, but probably somewhere in South America would be most likely

[Eleanor]

Seems to me that until she is discovered in one of these countries, there is little point in giving  any thought about extradition.

Extradition might not be an option.

[G-Unit]

Good point, G-Unit, I have thought around this a bit, but mainly I have been thinking of reasons for why a country with no extradition would be reluctant to cooperate.

It wouldn't be that easy to obtain DNA without alerting someone or involving a third party which could result in the child being moved.

Firstly a decision would have to be made as to who would request extradition of those holding her; Portugal or the UK. Madeleine has committed no crime so she would not be extradited. Her return would be requested and the country in question would make the decision.

I believe the Belgian police tested a drinks bottle/glass/straw after a sighting, so getting a similar sample could be fairly easy. Once a DNA match is obtained the local police could arrest all concerned.

[Eleanor]

Firstly a decision would have to be made as to who would request extradition of those holding her; Portugal or the UK. Madeleine has committed no crime so she would not be extradited. Her return would be requested and the country in question would make the decision.

I believe the Belgian police tested a drinks bottle/glass/straw after a sighting, so getting a similar sample could be fairly easy. Once a DNA match is obtained the local police could arrest all concerned.

Some countries in South America simply do not extradite, even people who are not Nationals of that country.

I am supposing that it would have to be The UK in this case as Madeleine is a Ward of Court, but I don't know how that would work, or how anyone could actually prove it was Madeleine.

[G-Unit]

Some countries in South America simply do not extradite, even people who are not Nationals of that country.

I am supposing that it would have to be The UK in this case as Madeleine is a Ward of Court, but I don't know how that would work, or how anyone could actually prove it was Madeleine.

Assuming her identity could be proved the UK would request her return, but any criminal activity took place in Portugal.That's not to say that those with her committed a crime in Portugal though.

[Eleanor]

Assuming her identity could be proved the UK would request her return, but any criminal activity took place in Portugal.That's not to say that those with her committed a crime in Portugal though.

Exactly.  But proving it could be difficult.  They can't just say that they obtained DNA secretly.

Also not to say that those with her committed a crime in Portugal, or even knew who she was at the time.

It could be a minefield.

[G-Unit]

Exactly.  But proving it could be difficult.  They can't just say that they obtained DNA secretly.

Also not to say that those with her committed a crime in Portugal, or even knew who she was at the time.

It could be a minefield.

If OG had enough to strongly suspect they had found her the local authorities would be the ones to get a DNA sample by whatever means they thought best.

[Eleanor]

If OG had enough to strongly suspect they had found her the local authorities would be the ones to get a DNA sample by whatever means they thought best.

At which point whoever they might be would take off with Madeleine.  Back to square one.

[Angelo222]

Some countries in South America simply do not extradite, even people who are not Nationals of that country.

I am supposing that it would have to be The UK in this case as Madeleine is a Ward of Court, but I don't know how that would work, or how anyone could actually prove it was Madeleine.

If by some slim chance Maddie was found outside of Portugal she would be returned to the UK.  Those involved or found with her would be the subject of extradition proceedings by the Portuguese.  For me this entire scenario is just wishful thinking though, I never expect she will ever be found let alone alive.

[jassi]

If alive, she will be 14.  Another couple of years and she'll be able to please herself what she does.

[Eleanor]

If by some slim chance Maddie was found outside of Portugal she would be returned to the UK.  Those involved or found with her would be the subject of extradition proceedings by the Portuguese.  For me this entire scenario is just wishful thinking though, I never expect she will ever be found let alone alive.

Some South American countries have no extradition, not even for foreigners.  And since Madeleine is currently still a minor, I wonder how Britain or Portugal would be able to deal with this, presuming of course that they could prove it was Madeleine.

[jassi]

A tricky problem. Neither Britain, nor Portugal would be in a position to insist on anything.

To identify Madeleine would require fresh testing of her against Kate's & Gerry's DNA, probably by a laboratory in that country, under strict chain of custody conditions.
This assumes that the 'girl's' DNA sample was forthcoming.

[Eleanor]

A tricky problem. Neither Britain, nor Portugal would be in a position to insist on anything.

To identify Madeleine would require fresh testing of her against Kate's & Gerry's DNA, probably by a laboratory in that country, under strict chain of custody conditions.
This assumes that the 'girl's' DNA sample was forthcoming.

Thanks for understanding what I have been trying to point out.

Any suggestions on how to get around this, anyone?

[G-Unit]

Thanks for understanding what I have been trying to point out.

Any suggestions on how to get around this, anyone?

In the extremely unlikely event that it happened I'm sure the authorities would be up to dealing with it.