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Court Lifts Residency Rule for Madeleine McCann Suspect, Clearing Way to Leave Germany

The Celle appeals court cited EU freedom of movement in scrapping the stay-in-Germany requirement, raising doubts about how supervision can be enforced if he travels.

Overview

  • The higher state court in Celle overturned the residency condition from an Oct. 28 Hildesheim ruling but kept measures such as an electronic ankle monitor and probation reporting.
  • German media report his passport remains withheld, yet EU travel could still be possible with an identity card under free-movement rules.
  • Prosecutors have investigated Christian Brückner as the prime suspect in Madeleine McCann’s 2007 disappearance since 2020, though no charges have been filed and he denies involvement.
  • Authorities and court commentary note monitoring could be ineffective outside Germany, underscoring limits of the ankle tag and supervision across borders.
  • A GoFundMe campaign he launched to fund leaving Germany was removed within hours after raising about €100, as reporting also detailed his precarious living situation after release.