Oporto PJ goes through Madeleine McCann case with a fine toothed comb

New from Joana Morais.........................

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Oporto PJ goes through Madeleine McCann case with a fine toothed comb

9 March 2012 | Posted by Joana Morais

Snippet from the article.....................


Within the ongoing diligences – although the process has not been formally reopened by the Public Ministry – the possibility of the re-enactment of the circumstances that preceded Maddie’s disappearance, on the 3rd of May, 2007, in Praia da Luz, Lagos, is open.

This diligence was not carried out because – it should be recalled – the McCann couple and six of their friends refused to participate. “The British authorities’ interest values all of the work that was developed by the Portuguese police and questions the reason for a hasty and abrupt archiving. The material truth still has to be established”, Gonçalo Amaral, the first coordinator of the investigation, now retired, states to JN.

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[Process in Detail]

May 3, 2007 Disappearance
Madeleine McCann, of three years old disappeared from the Ocean Club, Algarve, where she was allegedly sleeping with her twins siblings. The parents were dining with friends.

And we must never move from our position that IF there is evidence of an abduction, then it must be followed up to the fullest extent possible.

From Independant......Clarence Mitchell speaks................................

Portugal police review Madeleine McCann case

Portuguese police have launched a review of the Madeleine McCann case.

A team of detectives based in Oporto in northern Portugal has been appointed to re-examine the original investigation into the little girl's disappearance from the Algarve in 2007, the Portuguese newspaper Jornal de Noticias reported.

Scotland Yard officers have been carrying out their own review since last May.

It is understood that the team from Portugal's investigative Policia Judiciaria (PJ), headed by senior officer Helena Monteiro, has been looking at the Madeleine case for some weeks now.

Madeleine was nearly four when she went missing from her family's holiday flat in Praia da Luz in the Algarve on May 3 2007 as her parents Kate and Gerry dined with friends nearby.

Portuguese detectives, helped by officers from Leicestershire Police, carried out a massive investigation into her disappearance. The official inquiry was formally shelved in July 2008.

Scotland Yard's review of the case, called Operation Grange, was launched after a request from Home Secretary Theresa May supported by Prime Minister David Cameron.

Portugal's Correio da Manha newspaper reported that the PJ officers have not found any new leads that point to Madeleine's whereabouts and so will not formally reopen their investigation.

McCann family spokesman Clarence Mitchell said: "Kate and Gerry obviously welcome the work being done by the PJ in Oporto alongside that of the Met investigative team.

"They clearly hope that it will lead to the case being reopened in due course.

"There is good co-operation between the Met and the PJ, and Kate and Gerry remain grateful for the time and resources that have been put into the search for Madeleine.

"They will not be discussing any details whilst both the Met investigative review and the PJ work is continuing, but clearly it is a positive development."

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candyfloss wrote:From Independant......Clarence Mitchell speaks................................

Portugal police review Madeleine McCann case

Portuguese police have launched a review of the Madeleine McCann case.

A team of detectives based in Oporto in northern Portugal has been appointed to re-examine the original investigation into the little girl's disappearance from the Algarve in 2007, the Portuguese newspaper Jornal de Noticias reported.

Scotland Yard officers have been carrying out their own review since last May.

It is understood that the team from Portugal's investigative Policia Judiciaria (PJ), headed by senior officer Helena Monteiro, has been looking at the Madeleine case for some weeks now.

Madeleine was nearly four when she went missing from her family's holiday flat in Praia da Luz in the Algarve on May 3 2007 as her parents Kate and Gerry dined with friends nearby.

Portuguese detectives, helped by officers from Leicestershire Police, carried out a massive investigation into her disappearance. The official inquiry was formally shelved in July 2008.

Scotland Yard's review of the case, called Operation Grange, was launched after a request from Home Secretary Theresa May supported by Prime Minister David Cameron.

Portugal's Correio da Manha newspaper reported that the PJ officers have not found any new leads that point to Madeleine's whereabouts and so will not formally reopen their investigation.

McCann family spokesman Clarence Mitchell said: "Kate and Gerry obviously welcome the work being done by the PJ in Oporto alongside that of the Met investigative team.

"They clearly hope that it will lead to the case being reopened in due course.

"There is good co-operation between the Met and the PJ, and Kate and Gerry remain grateful for the time and resources that have been put into the search for Madeleine.

"They will not be discussing any details whilst both the Met investigative review and the PJ work is continuing, but clearly it is a positive development."

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Hmmm... Clarrie must be extremely dizzy from all the spinning...
If the McCann's' are 'hopeful this will lead to the case being reopened in due course', I presume this means they will happily do the reconstruction, seeing as this is the reason I understand the investigation stalled in the first place?
More pertinently, WHY haven't they already done it? The case could've been reopened ages ago and the McCann's thrown in jail Maddie found with the gypsies by now?

Have they finished the search of the "lawless hinterland " (aka the golf course) within 10 miles of PdL, looking for the "Hellish Lair"
I think we should be told.

PeterMac wrote:Have they finished the search of the "lawless hinterland " (aka the golf course) within 10 miles of PdL, looking for the "Hellish Lair"
I think we should be told.

They are probably still engrossed in exploring the cave the bundle man used as a hideout the nineteenth hole!

Timing is interesting though, Amaral has been giving interviews, Pat and PM's exploration of PDL, TB's case in the near future, I wonder what has suddenly started coming together here? It might not be a swarthy stranger they are going after..... interesting times ahead.

Smokeandmirrors wrote:

PeterMac wrote:Have they finished the search of the "lawless hinterland " (aka the golf course) within 10 miles of PdL, looking for the "Hellish Lair"
I think we should be told.

They are probably still engrossed in exploring the cave the bundle man used as a hideout the nineteenth hole!

Timing is interesting though, Amaral has been giving interviews, Pat and PM's exploration of PDL, TB's case in the near future, I wonder what has suddenly started coming together here? It might not be a swarthy stranger they are going after..... interesting times ahead.

Indeed Smokeandmirrors! I've felt for a while that 2012 would be 'annus horriblis' for Team McCann. With Judge Tugendhat allowing Tony leave to call SangerteGunnill as a witness, and Amaral looking certain to win his case, its all edging closer, imo!
Does anyone know how the 'Pro's' are handling this? I would look for myself, but frankly after the one time I clicked on I felt I needed a decontamination suite afterwards. They have the gall to call US vile!

rainbow-fairy wrote:

Smokeandmirrors wrote:

PeterMac wrote:Have they finished the search of the "lawless hinterland " (aka the golf course) within 10 miles of PdL, looking for the "Hellish Lair"
I think we should be told.

They are probably still engrossed in exploring the cave the bundle man used as a hideout the nineteenth hole!

Timing is interesting though, Amaral has been giving interviews, Pat and PM's exploration of PDL, TB's case in the near future, I wonder what has suddenly started coming together here? It might not be a swarthy stranger they are going after..... interesting times ahead.

Indeed Smokeandmirrors! I've felt for a while that 2012 would be 'annus horriblis' for Team McCann. With Judge Tugendhat allowing Tony leave to call SangerteGunnill as a witness, and Amaral looking certain to win his case, its all edging closer, imo!
Does anyone know how the 'Pro's' are handling this? I would look for myself, but frankly after the one time I clicked on I felt I needed a decontamination suite afterwards. They have the gall to call US vile!

Just how I felt when I looked on JATYK! It was like watching he death throes of the worlds last brain cell - disturbing!
I'm now wondering if all the hard work put in by so many, the risks taken by TB, GA, PB, JM, McCann files, Martin Roberts and so many on forums with regards to putting their own necks on the line to get the inconsistencies out there into the public domain, has become a "noise" that is impossible to ignore. All these things, even if they ARE just horribly frightening co-incidences (yer, right!), will HAVE to be looked at by anything approaching a formal review EVEN IF it is just for the purposes of elimination and setting the record straight.

In fact, if nothing else, examining the inconsistencies and setting the record straight would be a great comfort to many sceptics,

I agree that things are starting to happen behind the scenes. This is one of the most exciting pieces of news I've heard about the case for ages, I wonder whether the general British public will be reading it over their cornflakes tomorrow???? I'm guessing not! Can't wait to hear the conclusion of the British and Portugese reviews!

Its all over tomorrows papers [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

Wonder what fresh, specific info is??

I see that the BBC have joined in.


The family of missing girl Madeleine McCann has welcomed reports the case is being reviewed by Portuguese police.

Madeleine, from Rothley, Leicestershire went missing during a family holiday in May 2007 and the investigation was shelved in July 2008.

Now Portuguese newspapers have said the investigative Policia Judiciaria (PJ) was looking at the files but stressed no new evidence had been found.

The McCanns said they hoped the review would lead to the case being reopened.

Reports said a team of detectives based in Oporto in northern Portugal had been appointed to re-examine the original investigation.

Members of the PJ had been looking at the case for some weeks, the newspapers added.

Scotland Yard officers have been carrying out their own review since last May.

Madeleine was nearly four when she went missing from her family's holiday flat in Praia da Luz in the Algarve.

Scotland Yard's review of the case, called Operation Grange, was launched after a request from Home Secretary Theresa May supported by Prime Minister David Cameron.

McCann family spokesman Clarence Mitchell said: "Kate and Gerry obviously welcome the work being done by the PJ in Oporto alongside that of the Met investigative team.

"They clearly hope that it will lead to the case being reopened in due course."

"They clearly hope that it will lead to the case being reopened in due course. "....... Clarence Mitchell

Of course they would say that now wouldn't they? Err. What else can they say? They must be shell shocked!

Assigning the Oporto team to work with the Yard signifies the Portuguese has reopened the investigation; albeit not in the usual sense of a missing person case in line with protocol that requires new elements to be present to justify the re-opening.

This reopening termed "review" is reported as interested in the reenactment. When one thinks about it it makes perfect sense in the exceptional case of the mccanns. The implication cant be any clearer . The Yard are focusing on the mccanns and friends, and since Portuguese retains prime primacy over the investigation, the Yard can not be doing investigative review without the expressed approval and cooperation from the Portuguese counterparts if the review is to be deemed fit for purpose within legal perimeter.

The Portuguese decision to join the review at this stage can only mean they concur with the direction of the Yard.

I cant see how the mccanns and friends can now refuse to participate in the reconstruction and not look bad for them.
They pushed for the review, got their wish, now what is missing is their "co-operation" - to put their money where their mouth is to speak.

sharonl wrote:I see that the BBC have joined in.


The family of missing girl Madeleine McCann has welcomed reports the case is being reviewed by Portuguese police.

Madeleine, from Rothley, Leicestershire went missing during a family holiday in May 2007 and the investigation was shelved in July 2008.

Now Portuguese newspapers have said the investigative Policia Judiciaria (PJ) was looking at the files but stressed no new evidence had been found.

The McCanns said they hoped the review would lead to the case being reopened.

Reports said a team of detectives based in Oporto in northern Portugal had been appointed to re-examine the original investigation.

Members of the PJ had been looking at the case for some weeks, the newspapers added.

Scotland Yard officers have been carrying out their own review since last May.

Madeleine was nearly four when she went missing from her family's holiday flat in Praia da Luz in the Algarve.

Scotland Yard's review of the case, called Operation Grange, was launched after a request from Home Secretary Theresa May supported by Prime Minister David Cameron.

McCann family spokesman Clarence Mitchell said: "Kate and Gerry obviously welcome the work being done by the PJ in Oporto alongside that of the Met investigative team.

"They clearly hope that it will lead to the case being reopened in due course."

That is an utterly useless piece of article. All it states it the PJ has joined the review.

The mccanns spinning makes it appears as if they are in full control then of investigation, now of the review. They want the whole world to believe they were behind the review and behind the re-opening, which couldn't be further away from the truth.

I remember they lobbied Theresa May who took no notice of them. Why Cameron decided to bully Theresa May into this is anyone's guess but I suspect Cameron's review is not taken at mccanns' behest. Not if we look at the cross timing of their letter and announcement - it looks as if their letter was timed for the announcement and not the other way round. I suspect that must be the reason why the review was taken because the government was sicked and tired of their so in the face spin and manipulation.

When they are informed of the re-interviews and reenactment I suspect it is not beyond them to post a letter to the PJ just to show they ask for the reopening. What this shows is they haven't a clue what is going on. They were not kept in the loop as they want people to believe.

I realise the Press is watching their back because the mccanns has a pet bull dog on the standby ready to bite at mccanns' snap of fingers but in a way the Press reticent can only be a good thing if this is to go to trial.

Mail still accepting comments,

I am still waiting to read, after all this time, in any newspaper, an open version of the events which took place on the night in question from the friends of missing child's parents. The question is why? - Alonso, Wirral,UK **** - - Because they are protected by the most feared libel lawyers in the land. The next question is the same as yours - Why ?
- PM, Ronda, Spain, 9/3/2012 18:31
Rating 72

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PeterMac wrote:Mail still accepting comments,

I am still waiting to read, after all this time, in any newspaper, an open version of the events which took place on the night in question from the friends of missing child's parents. The question is why? - Alonso, Wirral,UK **** - - Because they are protected by the most feared libel lawyers in the land. The next question is the same as yours - Why ?
- PM, Ronda, Spain, 9/3/2012 18:31
Rating 72

[url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2112686/Portuguese-police-examine-disappearance-Madeleine-McCann-bringing-fresh-hope-Kate-Gerry.html#ixzz1ohF9igwv

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I've been looking at that too PM. Daily Express, Daily Star and Mirror did not accept comments. DM were accepting comments yesterday and still accepting them today. DM's comments began with fairly negative comments and are now positively brimming with pro comments. It will be very interesting to see how the tide flows when the next batch of comments are updated. I'm not sure if the comments in DM pass by a moderator before being allowed. I did notice that DM chose the worst possible photograph of CM though - he really needs to give them a call imo - [You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

aquila wrote: I did notice that DM chose the worst possible photograph of CM though - he really needs to give them a call imo - [You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

Absolutely terrifying I agree! Looks like he has never seen the sunlight.

too much time spent with vampires, methinks [You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

It reminds me of how John Major was portrayed in Spittin' Image!

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According to the Daily Mirror -

A crack Policia Judiciaria cold case unit has been assigned to the ­investigation to work alongside Scotland Yard murder squad officers.

There is clear co-operation between the Metropolitan Police and the Policia Judiciaria.

Their lawyer Rogerio Alves believes a review into how Madeleine disappeared from their Algarve holiday apartment was sparked by a fresh “specific” lead in the hunt.

Also shown is a lovely photo mostly of apartment 5J, where the GNR tracker dogs alerted to, but Martin Grime was never allowed to inspect.

According to the Daily Mail -

The case review is being carried out by Policia Judiciaria’s Regional Section of Criminal Investigation and Prevention in Oporto (in the north), led by Helena Monteiro.
This is true progress and hats off to Scotland Yard for starting this all off. [You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

What's the betting they are preparing for a conviction this time. [You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

Stella wrote:What's the betting they are preparing for a conviction this time. [You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

Even I am encouraged by the developments over the last few days. Particularly given Amarals comments.

sharonl wrote:I see that the BBC have joined in.


The family of missing girl Madeleine McCann has welcomed reports the case is being reviewed by Portuguese police.

Madeleine, from Rothley, Leicestershire went missing during a family holiday in May 2007 and the investigation was shelved in July 2008.

Now Portuguese newspapers have said the investigative Policia Judiciaria (PJ) was looking at the files but stressed no new evidence had been found.

The McCanns said they hoped the review would lead to the case being reopened.

Reports said a team of detectives based in Oporto in northern Portugal had been appointed to re-examine the original investigation.

Members of the PJ had been looking at the case for some weeks, the newspapers added.

Scotland Yard officers have been carrying out their own review since last May.

Madeleine was nearly four when she went missing from her family's holiday flat in Praia da Luz in the Algarve.

Scotland Yard's review of the case, called Operation Grange, was launched after a request from Home Secretary Theresa May supported by Prime Minister David Cameron.

McCann family spokesman Clarence Mitchell said: "Kate and Gerry obviously welcome the work being done by the PJ in Oporto alongside that of the Met investigative team.

"They clearly hope that it will lead to the case being reopened in due course."

Strange the above in bold, because in this article when the case was shelved the comments are rather different...................


Mr Monteiro's long-awaited decision to shelve the 15-month police investigation came as a huge relief to the McCanns, but their spokesman said there could be no sense of jubilation while their daughter was still missing.

The McCanns will then have 20 days to appeal against the Portuguese attorney general's decision to drop the case, although this is unlikely.

'They welcome this news but the whole thing has been an unnecessary distraction since September,' said Mr Mitchell.
'The main thing now is to get everything back to finding Madeleine. The only thing they care about is finding Madeleine.
'We hope that the Portuguese authorities will continue to co-operate with their private investigation.'

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rainbow-fairy wrote:

Smokeandmirrors wrote:

PeterMac wrote:Have they finished the search of the "lawless hinterland " (aka the golf course) within 10 miles of PdL, looking for the "Hellish Lair"
I think we should be told.

They are probably still engrossed in exploring the cave the bundle man used as a hideout the nineteenth hole!

Timing is interesting though, Amaral has been giving interviews, Pat and PM's exploration of PDL, TB's case in the near future, I wonder what has suddenly started coming together here? It might not be a swarthy stranger they are going after..... interesting times ahead.

Indeed Smokeandmirrors! I've felt for a while that 2012 would be 'annus horriblis' for Team McCann. With Judge Tugendhat allowing Tony leave to call SangerteGunnill as a witness, and Amaral looking certain to win his case, its all edging closer, imo!
Does anyone know how the 'Pro's' are handling this? I would look for myself, but frankly after the one time I clicked on I felt I needed a decontamination suite afterwards. They have the gall to call US vile!

Rainbow Fairy,

The Daily Mail is now taking comments on the article about the Oporto crack team being put on the case. As of right now, around 1400 or so Pros are vilifying the Cons, Dr. Amaral and Portuguese police procedures in the past. I've just clicked some green and red arrows, and I suggest we all do the same.

The Daily Mail is now taking comments on the article about the Oporto crack team being put on the case.

The Oporto Crack Team. Sounds a bit like one of their previous detectives, one Sr. D. Antonio Jimenez Raso.
Though he was dealing in pure cocaine, rather than crack, so that's OK then.

Stella wrote:It’s just dawned on me. If the case got reopened, then all of the previous arguidos, would once again become suspects. But as it stands, because a different arm of the Portuguese Police force are reviewing the case, Kate, Gerry and Robert Murat, have escaped that privilege. Well for now, anyway. [You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

Well, Stella, I'm afraid that is not quite right. The case is not re-opened. The protocol is that only the Attorney General has remit to reopen only if there is new evidence justifies that. And I would imagine the definition of new evidence to mean not already on files.

What has happened is the PJ has assigned the Oporto team to work with the Yard to do a joint review.
It is reported new elements brought about the Oporto team appointment, so the talked about "new elements" could only have been found from within the process files by the Yard , which the Portuguese authority deemed significant enough to task an independent of PJ to join the Yard's review.

Since we are not told what the new elements were who is to know files submitted to them by MF didn't contribute to the new elements?
No one knows what these specific new elements were, but suffice to say they couldn't have been fresh outside elements else it would be reason enough to justify the AG to re-open the investigation. By logical deducing the new elements must therefore be from files.
IMV, the Yard must have reached the stage where it is imperative for them to rope the Portuguese on board so that they can start exercising their investigative remit empowered to them by the UK Government. It's probable the Yard is at a stage where embarking on the re-interview and reconstruction is inevitable next step in their Review.

The Review team, like the Investigative team before them, have only two directions to look at - abduction or homicide. If there's no evidence to support one then it must be the other. So, if they are not following up Mccanns detectives pseudo-sightings, what could they be left with? Surely it would be to follow up what PJ were unable to complete due to obstruction from the mccanns and their friends by their refusal to participate in the reconstruction.

Without PJ's cooperation, the Yard's review would be worthless as the Portuguese are not obliged, in fact not legal, to recognize it under their jurisdiction. Of course I could be over optimistic. This review is not over by a long haul and I suspect it is only the start once they commence the reconstruction.

I wonder if SY would have been able to gain access to credit card receipts, medical records etc seeing as SY are in the UK when the PJ were unable to do that as they were working in a different country, or would SY only be able to access them if the case is re-opened. Perhaps they have gained access to them and have found something of interest, if Sr Amaral said in his recent interview that "things don't look good for the McCanns".

PeterMac wrote:Mail still accepting comments,

I am still waiting to read, after all this time, in any newspaper, an open version of the events which took place on the night in question from the friends of missing child's parents. The question is why? - Alonso, Wirral,UK **** - - Because they are protected by the most feared libel lawyers in the land. The next question is the same as yours - Why ?
- PM, Ronda, Spain, 9/3/2012 18:31
Rating 72

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Geez, the most fear law lawyers in the land must be "humbled" or should it be "honoured" they got mentioned and recognised for their reputation!