Families residing in the city where Christian Brueckner, a suspect associated with the Madeleine McCann case, now lives following his release from prison, express concerns about their safety.
Residents of the northern German city where Brueckner recently relocated have reported sightings of him. Brueckner, a convicted rapist, was released after serving a seven-year jail term for assaulting a pensioner. Despite public apprehension, authorities did not charge him in connection with Madeleine’s disappearance, an allegation he denies.
Local residents, such as 63-year-old Hilke Reichhardt and 46-year-old teacher Mario Baum, express fear and unease over Brueckner’s presence. Despite serving his sentence for a prior crime, Brueckner’s movements are closely monitored by the media, with images capturing him at various public locations.
Concerns escalate as CCTV footage captures Brueckner appearing lighthearted while displaying his monitoring ankle tag and attempting to purchase a phone using his identification. Community members, including 54-year-old Kenan Yilmaz and 21-year-old office worker Lea Rauschan, voice worries about the potential threat Brueckner poses, especially to vulnerable individuals.
In response to public outcry, residents have initiated a petition to have Brueckner relocated, with plans for protests and vigils to rally support. Despite calls for his removal, Brueckner’s defense team, represented by Philipp Marquort, advocates for his privacy and asserts his right to a peaceful existence post-release. Plans are underway to transfer Brueckner to a larger city soon.
As the community grapples with safety concerns, an upcoming demonstration on October 4 aims to raise awareness and address the ongoing apprehension surrounding Brueckner’s presence.