GERRY AND Kate McCann are planning to sue a Portuguese publication, Tal & Qual, (Just like that) for defamation.
At the centre of the action is a front page report in the newspaper on August 24, entitled “PJ believes that the parents killed Maddie”, where the words “killed Maddie” were highlighted. According to a press release on behalf of the McCanns, the story continued on page seven, with the headline “PJ believes in the fault of the parents”.
The report allegedly implies that Madeleine died from an excess of drugs, which may have been sedatives.
In an official statement, the McCanns said: “This statement is without truth or evidence”. They strongly deny that they have ever given their children sedatives and they believe the allegations are “very serious and highly damaging to their professional and personal reputations”.
Gerry McCann said: “Kate and I have been deeply hurt by the report in Tal & Qual. We firmly believe the report was speculative, defamatory and published despite official statements to the contrary”.
A court in Porto will deal with the case against the publication’s director, Emídio Fernando, and journalist Catarina Vaz. Gerry McCann said: “We hope that this action will encourage responsible reporting in the future.”
Meanwhile, the Bishop Ellis Catholic Primary School in Thurmaston, Leicestershire, where Madeleine was due to start from yesterday has left a desk open for her in the classroom. Children and teachers said a prayer for her and lit a candle.
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