"I haven't lost my dignity"

The former inspector spends Christmas with his wife, his daughters and his parents-in-law. He tells ‘Nova Gente’ that he will not give up on finding out “the truth” about Maddie.


by Alexandra Ferreira

For a year, he was silent due to the injunction that had been filed against him by the McCann couple, for all copies of ‘Maddie – The Truth of the Lie’ to be taken off the shelves in bookshops. Nonetheless, he never gave up and appealed to the Appeals Court, which in October overturned the prohibition to sell the book and the video that was produced from a TVI documentary, because “it does not offend the McCanns’ fundamental rights”, further stating that Gonçalo Amaral’s freedom of expression is protected by the European Convention on Human Rights. At the time, the English couple also demanded compensation in the amount of 1.2 million euro, over statements that they consider to be libellous. For the former PJ coordinator and his wife, Sofia Leal, those were months of suffocation that forced them to make some changes, namely to perform cuts to their family budget, in the education of their daughters, who left the school where they were studying due to the financial difficulties that the couple faces.

“The exile that I was subject to is coming to an end, I have not lost my dignity or my integrity and I feel strong enough to intervene, in a more active way, in the search for truth and in the performance of justice”, Gonçalo clarifies, adding that this was a complicated year. “It wasn’t easy, actually nothing has been easy since I retired from the Judiciary Police and decided, at my own cost and risk, to affront instituted powers within the search for the truth”, he mentions. “The seizing of assets remains unsolved because it took place outside of the injunction. The losses, financial and others, have yet to be counted, there has been extensive damage, but we continue to believe in justice. We have been living with the support of family and friends, who have never abandoned us”, reveals the former police officer, who resides in a rented apartment in Portimão with his wife, his daughters and the cat, Bolachinha [Cookie].

Gonçalo Amaral and Sofia Leal defend a family Christmas and insist on keeping the tradition of the ‘Presépio do Menino ao Alto’ [Nativity of the Child on the Height] alive, which dates back to the Middle Ages. “In the Algarve, it’s he who brings the presents and it’s to the Child that children pray every day of the year. On the 8th of December, the day of ‘Nossa Senhora da Conceição’ [Our Lady of Conception], the ‘searinhas’ [little corn fields] or ‘cabeleiras’ [wigs] are sown. Those are wheat seeds, which are placed in small containers, under the bed, where it’s dark and warm. Nine days before Christmas, a chest of drawers is ‘dressed’ with the finest needlework that one owns and a stepped throne is built. Then, the ‘cabeleiras’ are placed, symbols of abundance, as well as the oranges and the pomegranates. Finally, Baby Jesus is placed on top of the throne. It’s a very emotional moment, where the family all comes together. While my father says the prayers, my mother and I finish arranging the throne, the girls place the fruits and in the end Gonçalo places Baby Jesus. On the Kings’ Day, we take the ‘cabeleiras’ into the field and sow them into the earth. That’s the Algarve’s mixture of the sacred and the profane. We also build the common Nativity, as it was created by St. Francis of Assisi, but with a very Portuguese touch: with clay figures that are placed on a base of cork and moss, with water streams, fountains, sheep and a little rock”, the wife of the former PJ coordinator explains.

The season has almost always the same taste to the Amaral family. “Christmas Eve supper and Christmas Day lunch are the most important meals in the year. Therefore, on the 1st of December, the women in the family gather to decide on the menu, the dinnerware, the linen, the details…”, she says, adding that they spend Christmas in Portimão with her parents, her sister, her brother-in-law and the neighbours.

In a conversation with ‘Nova Gente’, Gonçalo said that the McCanns continue to attack him: “What they are trying to do to me is not only to limit my civic and constitutional rights. They try my civil assassination, to destroy my life, not allowing the exercise of any licit activity, or for me to comply with the existing compromises and those of my family”, he explains, stressing that “while limiting my freedom of expression, they have destroyed the firm that I had created, they tried to forbid my access to the Lawyers’ Orders’ stay, and they have seized assets and income sources”, he says, justifying that everything was done “under the banner of searching for a mysteriously disappeared child, who is probably dead – as the Public Ministry says -, people and their relatives are being destroyed. One has to say that this is not catholic at all, coming from people who say they are so religious and pious. This is not how they will find the child!”

Gonçalo Amaral says that he will wait to read the book that the McCanns are writing. “It’s being said that the book is an aid to find their daughter. As it will only be published towards the end of April, we can conclude that until then, their daughter won’t be found.”

UNGAGGED

The Appeals Court agreed with Gonçalo Amaral, and that was a “beautiful moment” that was used to plan the future. “The books remain illegally with their keeper, the McCanns’ lawyer, and I doubt that they still exist. Now, it is up to Guerra e Paz to ensure that the Appeals Court’s decision concerning the book ‘Maddie – The Truth of the Lie’ is fulfilled.” All in all, “over 120 000 copies have been sold”, and the book was translated for France, Italy, the Netherlands, Germany and Denmark.

in: Nova Gente, 20.12.2010 (paper edition only)

Dirt

by Francisco Moita Flores, university teacher

There is no politics, there is no private interest or of any other kind that can override the search for the truth

WikiLeaks has drilled through the USA's security system and has been publishing thousands of documents. One of them tells us what we already knew. The English ambassador reported that the English police had obtained evidence that Maddie's parents were involved in the death and disappearance of their daughter and that, for State reasons, that fact had been simply hidden from the Portuguese Justice.

The couple's spokesman did not deny it. He merely stated that this issue was history. It didn't matter. When one is protected, such arrogance is permitted. Nonetheless, it is also true that protection by the powerful serves the powerful but will never be able to hide the truth, which, as we all know, always surfaces.

And the truth is here again. Vigorous, without mercy, without pity for those who have always wanted to see a moral end to this story. From pitiful journalists who have refused to publish any other thesis apart from the truth that was sold and produced before time: the little girl was abducted, end of. Everything else was silliness and bad taste by the Portuguese police and those who have always understood how the famous adbuction was impossible. And that silliness was accepted by the Public Ministry, that ordered the process to be shelved, The investigation interrupted, the couple under protection, the formal, judicial truth hacked off without scruples. WikiLeaks tells us that the whole thing was well secured by the English government after all, and who knows where the evidence is being kept.

The truth is that the criminal investigation cannot live on prejudice. To demonstrate the nexus of causality between the victim and the perpetrator is, under any circumstance, the sole motivation that presides over police work. There is no politics, there is no private interest or of any other kind that can override the search for the truth. This works in Portugal. And every year parents kill children and children kill parents. Nevertheless, they are not protected by any specific government, neither in Portugal nor in any other country. Therefore, they are subject to the superior decision of the courts.

That was not the case of the unfortunate English child, whose disappearance remains unsolved due to the protection that surrounded her dear parents, who, by the way, have always been treated in an excellent way in Portugal, regardless of the suspicions that hung over them. From the media campaigns until the English provocation that insulted Portugal in the name of the parents' dignity. How much did that campaign cost? Maybe there is another WikiLeaks cable that informs us about the dirt concerning this subject, that we still have to learn.

in: Correio da Manhã, 19.12.2010

Maddie case: "Portugal has a feeble government in face of English 'friends'"

This Thursday, the former Judiciary Police inspector in the case of Madeleine McCann, Gonçalo Amaral, has again pointed his finger at the Portuguese government, after last week's 'WikiLeaks' revelations, that showed that it was the English police itself that found evidence that incriminates the McCann couple in the disappearanca of their daughter Madeleine, on the night of the 3rd of May, 2007, in Praia da Luz, in the Algarve.

Gonçalo amaral told Efe agency that Portugal "has a feeble government in face of English 'friends', servile and submissive, and the shelving of the investigation into the mysterious disappearance of Madeleine McCann is a shame for our country and for the Portuguese judicial system".

The former inspector, who had already told Correio da Manhã that he believed that the British police didn't tell the PJ everything, is convinced that London pressured Portugal in order to remove him from his post and in order to avoid any accusations against Kate and Gerry McCann.

Gonçalo Amaral is confident that the case will be fully clarified, but he says it is necessary to restart the police investigation and to review the process.

"Madeleine McCann deserves to have justice done. Her likely death and her mysterious disappearance cannot depend solely on the political will", he says.




in: Correio da Manhã, 24.12.2010

Maddie Case: English suspects of withholding relevant evidence

Cover page
Maddie Case: English suspects of withholding relevant evidence
Gonçalo Amaral believes that the British police did not disclose all that they have found to the Portuguese Judiciary Police (PJ)

Inside article
Maddie Case: British ambassador revelations raise new suspicions

"English may have other evidence"

Gonçalo Amaral, former coordinator, believes that the British police did not disclose everything to the PJ regarding the McCanns and the suspicions of paedophilia of their friend Payne


by Henrique Machado

The British ambassador in Lisbon admitted that the police of his country found incriminating evidence against the McCanns in the disappearance of their daughter Maddie, as was revealed by WikiLeaks. Gonçalo Amaral, the former Judiciary case coordinator "without knowing which evidence are those", admits that they could have been omitted. "It is very strange, for example, that they did not send us the information relative to the suspicions (of paedophilia) referring to David Payne", an element of the [Tapas]group in Praia da Luz, in the Algarve, in May 2007.

"Similarly, the British police always told the PJ, in the requests made, that there was nothing relevant as to the credit card transactions" made by Maddie's parents or by the group of friends, nor in relation to "Kate and Gerry's relationship or to the missing child clinical records", for example.

The PJ coordinator does not believe that the evidence mentioned by the UK ambassador, Alexander Ellis, with his US counterpart had anything to do with the fact that the dogs, which have detected blood and cadaver odour in the trunk of the car rented by the McCann, were British. "Even because, on September 28 (the day the ambassadors' conversation took place), the English lab [F.S.S.] had already stated that the blood evidence gathered did not belong to Maddie". Therefore, the evidence that Ellis makes reference to "must be something else" - which the British police failed to deliver to the Judiciary.

For Amaral, the most probable hypothesis has to do with Payne: in Majorca, two summers before, he would have rubbed his nipple and put his finger in his mouth while looking at Maddie, suggesting a sexual act, asking to Gerry if his daughter would do that.

Those gestures were witnessed by a British doctor, who denounced them to the British police in May 16, 2007. "The PJ was only informed in October", and, when Paulo Rebelo's team went to England with questions for the group, David Payne "was the only one who was heard by the English Police without the presence of the PJ".

Details
He enjoyed giving bath
Payne was the last person, known, besides the parents, to see Maddie alive. The Englishman, over whom a suspicion of paedophilia was raised, enjoyed giving bath to children.

New Investigation
Gonçalo Amaral, PJ inspector now retired, told the CM that he is gathering new indicia that provide for the reopening of the investigation.

Laboratory
Amaral raises doubts as to the DNA results obtained by the English lab [Forensic Science Service].


in Correio da Manhã - Page. 10 Paper Edition & Online here

"I was sitting between Gerry and David and I think both were talking about Madeleine (...). I remember David saying something to Gerry about "she", meaning Madeleine 'would do this'. While he mentioned the word 'this', David was doing the action of sucking one of his fingers, pushing it in and out of his mouth, while with his other hand he was doing a circle around his nipple (...). I remember being shocked by that."

in Euro Weekly News: Gaspars on David Payne odd Behaviour

Read as well
David Payne May Hold the Key to Maddie's Mystery
'Madeleine Case': British Police indicated the parents

Maddie Case: “Political Influence demands an Inquiry”

The G9 or as the media named them, the Tapas Nine

Maddie: WikiLeaks reveals the conversation between the British and North-American ambassadors

“Political Influence demands an Inquiry”

Gonçalo Amaral, the former coordinator of the investigation to the disappearance of Madeleine McCann in Praia da Luz, on the night of May 3, 2007, is not surprised with the Wikileaks disclosure of the cable sent by the US ambassador in Portugal, Alfred Hoffman Jr, to Washington.

by Paulo Marcelino / J.F. / R.R. with agencies

In that letter, of September 28, 2007, the diplomat reported on a conversation with his UK counterpart, Alexander W. Ellis, in which the latter said that the “British police had obtained evidence against the McCann couple”. The former coordinator of the Judiciary Police admits that he felt “political pressures during the investigation” and is now asking for the creation of a commission of inquiry in the Portuguese Republic Assembly, alleging that political interference in a criminal investigation undermines the Rule of Law.

“There was political influence as to the direction of the investigation and in the process archival,” said Gonçalo Amaral to the CM. The former coordinator of the investigation - removed from it at its final stage - further adds: “Before the passivity, and almost complicity of the government [Portuguese] still in office, it is imperative, within the Portuguese Republic Assembly, the creation of a commission of inquiry, in order to investigate the influences and political manoeuvring which have led to the discontinuation of the investigation and to the process archival. At stake is the Rule of Law.”

As to the disclosure that it would have been the British police to have gathered evidence against the couple, Gerry and Kate McCann (the missing girl's parents), Amaral is peremptory: “They didn't gather any evidence”. The former coordinator acknowledges the good cooperation of the English police officers sent to the Algarve at the time, but adds that “whomever was in England had other ideas.”

And he gives examples: “The English police even held back the statement made by Katherine Gaspar [read here] about a potential paedophile [David Payne] in the group at holidays in Luz”. And he recalls that David ended up being questioned in England without the PJ's inspectors presence. It should also be remembered that the credit information requested by the Police never received a reply. And Amaral also says that “there are strong suspicions” that the FSS lab results in England were manipulated. And that they were well known at the date of the cable. The laboratory [in]conclusions devaluated the evidence that were found in the apartment and in the couple's car by the British dogs, specialized in sniffing blood and cadaver odour.

Scent of Death
They were first offered in May and then provided with some reservation back in August 2007, the dogs 'Eddie' and 'Keela' signalled the cadaver odour and found blood traces in the apartment from where Maddie disappeared and inside the trunk of the car rented by the McCanns.

Abduction without Proof
Gonçalo Amaral says that there is no evidence of abduction in the process other than statements of Jane Tanner, who was on holiday with the McCanns in Praia da Luz. “She recognized several people as the perpetrators of the abduction and she lied blatantly,” said the former PJ coordinator.

“I Felt Pressured”: Gonçalo Amaral, former coordinator of the Portuguese Judiciary Police

Correio da Manhã – Did you feel political pressures during the investigation?
Gonçalo Amaral – I did, yes. I was confronted, by way of the national PJ directory, with a question that coincided with the thought of the Attorney General's Office, at the time, that not all processes have a conclusion.

- How do you explain the political interference?
– The initiative started by the McCann couple, trough their family contacts, in order to defend themselves.

– Does the cable disclosure surprise you?
– No. I only hope that the Portuguese Justice hears both ambassadors. They are potential witnesses.

Couple creates a new investigation team
A new team of investigators hired by the McCann couple and constituted by Portuguese and English elements, headed by a former UK cop is already in the Algarve according to TVI. The couple alleges to be interested in reviewing the constant sightings that appear in the process. But Gonçalo Amaral dismisses them: “These parents aren't searching for their daughter. They only care about their own image.” And he argues that, otherwise they would ask for the reopening of the process, as he himself defends. “Just a letter. They would only and solely have to pay for the stamp price,” ironizes the former coordinator of the investigation.

[Note the article continues with more information related to the WikiLeaks releases, something that is being covered in the world media, that has nothing to do with the case at hand, therefore I've chosen to translate as a second part the opinion article written and also published today by Correio da Manhã's assistant director, Eduardo Dâmaso]

Back to the Maddie Case

by Eduardo Dâmaso

What is the worth of the WikiLeaks disclosure on the Maddie case? It is truly worthy. Firstly, in the foreground, it shows that British police was convinced of the credibility of the evidence that involved the parents in the disappearance. And then, that the matter was the subject of conversation, at State level, between the English and the US diplomacies.

That is, for some reasons which persist to be yet clarified and that may be related to some work by Gerry McCann to the British government, the issue had a clear political dimension. It was a dossier managed with all the political cautions, as it is understood by the reference of “secrecy” that the matter demanded from the British.

Today, one can also realize that it was none the credibility of the information provided by the U.S. to the request of the investigation regarding the images collected by an U.S. satellite positioned to the south of Portugal and North Africa. At the time, the Americans confirmed the positioning of the satellite, but said that on the night of the disappearance it was directed to Africa, and therefore, it could not have seen a man carrying a child, which latter was said by a witness to be Maddie's father.

If the McCanns truly wished to reopen the case, now it would be a good time. But is it that really their convenience, in face of the facts? It doesn't seem to be...

in Correio da Manhã article and Opinion

McCann Detectives hassling Algarve: 'Leave us alone once and for all'

McCann Detectives in Lagos

by Marisa Rodrigues

"Leave us alone once and for all", is the request made by a former Ocean Club employee, in praia da Luz, Lagos, who has been "insistently" contacted by a new group of private investigators hired by the McCann couple.

"They've contacted me three times, by letter, by phone and recently they came knocking at my door. They were two women, one Portuguese another English, searching for evidence to reopen the process, but we want to forget what has happened. We will only answer to questions made by the Judiciary Police", vented the woman in frustration. She is one of the witnesses heard during the investigation to Madeleine's disappearance, in May 2007.

This is an action that the former coordinator of the Portuguese Judiciary Police classifies as "illegal". Even suggesting for "those people to be identified and heard by the police because they are committing a crime."

This revelation comes a day after Wikileaks, quoted by Spanish newspaper "El País", disclosure of the contents of a conversation between the United Kingdom and the United States ambassadors, with the first affirming that the police of his own country had gathered evidence incriminating the child's parents.

"That had been already stated by the PJ and figures on the process. It was the conviction of both police forces, however it had never been assumed from the British side. The only novelty is, that, for the first time, there is someone who is not Portuguese, affirming that there were suspicions against the couple, which reinforces the investigation thesis", said Gonçalo Amaral.

For the family spokesman, Clarence Mitchell, it is "a historical note with more than three years old. Kate and Gerry have seen their status as official suspects lifted, with the Portuguese authorities assuming that there was no evidence that implied them in Madeleine's disappearance."

To JN, a source of the Portuguese Public Relations team hired by the McCann couple [Salvador da Cunha's Lift Consulting], confirmed that there is a "private investigation team" lead by a former UK cop, Dave Edgar, trying to gather proofs to reopen the process, archived back in July 2008.

Yesterday, in a declaration, the Portuguese Attorney General, considered that there are no "new, credible and relevant" facts to determine the reopening of the investigation related to Madeleine McCann.

in Jornal de Notícias

McCann couple 'Official Find Madeleine Campaign' Facebook page

Remember to keep donating to the the McCanns' Private Limited Company Fund so they can continue to: McCanns Pressure and Harass Ocean Club Employee; British Police Harass Inocennt Man and Child; Marcos Aragão Correia accused of defaming Gonçalo Amaral; Leaving no Holiday Destination in Peace; Key witness leaves country; Kate and Gerry McCann Threaten to Sue Bloggers; Front Line “After Maddie” - Video Reportage; Tapas Cook Breaks Silence and talks about the McCanns; Witnesses Heard by The PJ in the Maddie Case Were Sounded Out by the McCanns; "Lies destroyed Luz"; Sacked Ocean Club employees are “hurt” at the couple; The many victims of the McCann Media Campaign; McCanns Want Amaral's Family Home; Maddie Case: A Broke Cop; Robert Murat continues to receive death threats and has lost the sense of life; DRAMA AND LIES: How the McCanns use Mari Luz in the Maddie case - The opinion of crime specialists, Maddie: HTFM CyberWarriors Promoting Censorship on Youtube, Shannon Matthews versus Madeleine McCann: A 'class war'?; More Metodo 3 "witnesses" : Lawyer Claims Madeleine Raped, Murdered and Dumped; Detectives Hired by the McCanns want to Frame Gonçalo Amaral; McCann Couple demand Gonçalo Amaral Divorce to be Rewarded; etc, etc.

Exclusive Video: McCanns Press Conference
(Full in here, recorded on February 10, 2010)

McCanns’ lawyer opposes the reopening of the process

Rogério Alves, the McCann couple’s lawyer, has told TSF that there is no new data in the documents that were revealed by Wikileaks that would justify the reopening of the process.

The McCann couple’s lawyer in Portugal, Rogério Alves, has said in a statement to TSF that he opposes the reopening of the inquiry into the disappearance of Madeleine in Lagos, in the Algarve, in 2007.

At stake is a telegram from the North American embassy that was revealed by Wikileaks, which indicates that it was the English police that presented the evidence that led to the McCann couple to be made arguidos.

The telegram, which is cited by British newspaper The Guardian, describes a conversation between the ambassadors of the United Kingdom and the USA in Portugal, shortly after Kate and Gerry McCann were made arguidos.

Nonetheless, Rogério Alves considered that these suspicions from the English authorities add nothing new to the process.

“That information is completely useless. It only contains a reference to a piece of evidence that the Public Ministry and the Polícia Judiciária (PJ) considered to be totally useless, which consisted of a couple of dogs that having barked, but being naturally unable to depose in a court room, would constitute some sort of indication against the child’s parents”, he said.

“To open the process, yes, when that contributes to finding out where the child is and what happened to her, [but] to open the process, no, when it is to review what was already seen by the PJ and by the Public Ministry, that correctly considered those indications to be absurd and inconsistent”, Rogério Alves added, justifying that “nobody in a democratic state can be taken to court based on dogs’ barking. That is absurd.”

The former PJ inspector, Gonçalo Amaral, has a different opinion. In a statement, he considered that there had been political interference in the process, and therefore he asked the Public Ministry to reopen it.


in: TSF, 14.12.2010

There are no “new, credible and relevant” facts to reopen the McCann case – Public Ministry

by Cristina Cardoso (Lusa)

Lisbon, Nov 13 (Lusa) – The Attorney General’s Office considers that there are no “new, credible and relevant” facts in order to reopen the investigation related to Madeleine McCann, the English child that disappeared in the Algarve in 2007.

In a reply that was sent to Lusa agency, the Attorney General’s Office recalls that “it has been repeatedly stated that the inquiry may be reopened if new, credible and relevant facts appear”. Nonetheless, “so far all that has been known are opinions, abstract thesis, divagations, baseless reasoning and publicitary maneuvers, which is not enough to reopen the inquiry”, the note reads.

A telegram from the USA embassy in Lisbon, dated September 2007 and released on Monday, mentions the disappearance of the English child in May that year, pointing out that it was the English police that discovered evidence against the parents.

in: Lusa, December 14, 2010

Gonçalo Amaral on Wikileaks release regarding the McCann Affair

The former Portuguese Judiciary Police inspector Gonçalo Amaral, coordinator of the Maddie Case, speaks on the latest Wikileaks release - the cable exchange between the now demissionary UK ambassador Alexander Ellis and the US ambassador Alfred Hoffman, Jr. who also served in Portugal at the time of Madeleine McCann's disappearance.

Video

broadcast by SIC Notícias on 14.12.2010

Pedro Mourinho (P.M.) - SIC Notícias Anchor (Portuguese 24/7 News Channel)
Gonçalo Amaral (G.A.) - the former Judiciary Police inspector, coordinator of the Madeleine McCann investigation until October, 2007

Transcript

Pedro Mourinho (P.M.) - Gonçalo Amaral, former inspector of the Judiciary Police, and author of the book "The Truth of the Lie" on the Maddie Case is with us, live, on the Midnight News. A very good evening to you Dr. Gonçalo Amaral.

Gonçalo Amaral (G.A.) - Good evening.

P.M. - Is there any novelty for you in the documents now released by Wikileaks?

G.A. - No, in reality the only news is the document disclosure itself, since as for the evidence, the indicia, they are on the process. The cooperation and collaboration with the English police is public knowledge, and is on the process. The results are there, therefore there isn't anything new.

P.M. - So, for you it isn't news that it was the British police that found the evidence that have, would have incriminated Madeleine's parents?

G.A. - No, I didn't say that. It's not news as regarding to the evidence, now as to the proofs held by the British police I don't know what are they referencing to. There was a cooperation and collaboration, the evidence and indicia are in the process thus...I don't know, someone should say what the evidence are, perhaps someone from the British police should say it. All the same, it was a cooperation between the British and Portuguese police that has arrived to the proofs that are in the process.

P.M. - As someone that knows the process, as an inspector involved in the investigation, coordinator of the investigation, don't you know what evidence, specifically, the British ambassador was referring to?

G.A. - He could only be referring to the evidence and indicia that are on the process. I'm not seeing any other, if there is other evidence, it would be strange for the British police to not have revealed them at the time.

P.M. - The reference made in the last hours, Dr. Gonçalo Amaral, was in particular the evidence that had been obtained by the dogs brought from the UK, that were able to find cadaver scent in the McCann's car, could that be the evidence?

G.A. - There are several indications. The information that are on the process results in other evidence, and, therefore there is a set of evidences that are on the process, and that is probably what is being referred to. It is unfortunate that the process is archived, but, perhaps this note might enable to reopen the inquest and the resumption of the investigation until the truth is established, the material truth, the complete truth, for Justice to be made.

P.M. - How was the relationship between the British and Portuguese police forces? Was it a good relationship, or, as the British media sustained for a certain period of time, during the summer of 2007, was it a tense one and of great rivalry?

G.A. - No, it was an excellent relation, of cooperation, we often had lunch and dinner together, we had various meetings, so there was already friendship between colleagues. It was people who were involved in an investigation, there wasn't any tension as it was stated.

P.M. - Would it have been possible to go further, in gathering evidence, after what took place in September 2007¹, or not?

G.A. - As I said before, the investigation is an investigation that is interrupted, an investigation that needs to be concluded. I believe that it is possible to make progress, if it wasn't for lack of political will; now with political will, based on this note - which is only a note as you said, but remains an important note nevertheless between two ambassadors, from one ambassador to the US State Department, that must have the weight that it has. Hopefully now, it will also be disclosed those photos, those satellite images that we believe to be in the possession of the US authorities, that we, the Portuguese police mentioned first, and also requested, a request that was denied to us.

P.M. - In your understanding, what could those satellite images reveal?

G.A. - They can reveal who was the person that carried the child on that night on its way to the beach. According to an Irish couple statement, with an alleged 80% certainty, it was Gerald McCann himself. That could be the confirmation of that Irish couple's statement.

P.M. - And those images exist?

G.A. - We believe that, yes. In fact, the McCann couple themselves, said, a few months ago, that they also searched for them; that they don't exist, someone else later stated that they don't exist. It's possible that the site who has divulged the cable might also be able to release those images. That would be interesting.

P.M. - In your opinion, if they exist, why weren't they yet revealed?

G.A. - Well, probably because they are a secret of state somewhere... In fact, the whole investigation was a state secret in England. I remind you that there is documentation in that sense, referring that it is a state secret. We do not understand why it is considered as a state secret. In question is the disappearance, and the likely death of a child, and we still fail to understand why is that considered as state secrecy.

P.M. - You have spoken before on the «political will», do you consider that there was a connivance of the British government with the McCann couple, knowing that the London authorities, and at least we now have that certainty, were indeed aware of the evidence uncovered by the police of their own country. What I want to ask you, in your opinion, in the scope of this document, is, if we can understand a little bit better the manner in which the McCanns left the country?

G.A. - I apologize for stating the obvious, but they have left the country by airplane. And they were well received back in England. What we became increasingly aware was the political influence, of the intervention of the British prime minister at the time, Gordon Brown, of the conversations that he allegedly had we our own prime minister, in October, at the Lisbon Summit - if they indeed spoke on the subject or not, we weren't there to listen, some say they did others say they didn't; but a fact remains, and this was the result: there was a point that the British police officers working on the case had to sign a document as if they belonged to the secret services, requesting their confidentiality so they wouldn't speak about the case. Definitely something strange, not usual under other circumstances. Thus, from then on, and with other elements, that would be too lengthy for us to be here now detailing - remains no doubt that a political intervention, practically, archived the case.

P.M. - Of the British and of the Portuguese government?

G.A. - The case went to the Portuguese General Attorney's Office, who published a statement saying that they had not find any indicia in the process...something that we find very strange. I recall that on the decision made by the Appellate Court, on October 19, of this year, which lifted the banning of the book that I've authored, 'Maddie, The Truth of The Lie', suggests that with the indicia that exists in the process, the opinion of the Public Ministry to archive the case could be another if the prosecutors were different - that means that something exists there [on the process]. I have no doubts that the magistrates, the appellate judges have read the process.

P.M. - Do you believe that this document, this note now revealed by WikiLeaks, can indeed change something as to the process? You have already said during this interview that you hoped for that to happen, but do you truly believe that that it will take place?

G.A. - This matter has evolved, step by step, we cannot use this document as a flag, the knowledge of this note as a victory - let's put it in this way, it does not mean an immediate reopening of the case. However, I do believe that we are walking towards that goal, that finally the reconstitution of the facts may take place with the couple and with their friends, if they so wish, and if they are willing to return to Portugal.

P.M. - You spoke of «victory», do you believe that this will change the perception that people have about the Maddie case?

G.A. - The perception that I have, as far as the perception of people go, is that the Judiciary Police has worked, the Judiciary Police was able to reach some conclusions, important conclusions. That the process needs to go on, the investigation has to continue, and, as we have previously spoken here today, the process was archived for political reasons - that is the perception that people have.

P.M. - Gonçalo Amaral, former inspector of the Judiciary Police, author of the book 'Maddie, The Truth of The Lie' about the Madeleine McCann case, live, on this Midnight news edition, after tonight, when another confidential document was released by WikiLeaks. It's the only document that makes a reference to the Maddie case - an exchange between the British and North-American ambassadors in Lisbon, where the British ambassador has confirmed that the British government had the knowledge of the evidence that would incriminate Madeleine McCann's parents. Meanwhile, the McCann's spokesman, Clarence Mitchell, fully depreciated this revelation; contacted tonight by the News agency Lusa, he said that the cable "is something from the past, an historical document, more than three years old" and that, he added, "therefore has no actuality".


Notes: ¹ McCann couple judicial status changed to arguidos, that is, official suspects, two days later they fled back to the UK.

Gonçalo Amaral expects Wikileaks to divulge the Satellite Images

The former inspector finds it strange that it's necessary for an ambassador to speak about the evidence for «some veracity to be given as to the responsibility of the parents in Madeleine's disappearance»

Gonçalo Amaral, the former Judiciary Police inspector, stated this Monday that «it is strange» that it is necessary for an ambassador to speak about the evidence «for some veracity to be given as to the responsibility of the parents in Madeleine's disappearance» and that he looks forward for Wikileaks to divulge the satellite imagery, reports Lusa [Portuguese news agency].

«I accompanied the investigation, I know what is there and I know what still needs to be done, and I also know there's responsibility in the disappearance, I have no doubts about that», said Gonçalo Amaral, the former coordinator of the investigation into the disappearance of Madeleine McCann, in Praia da Luz, Algarve, on May 2007.

The author of the book 'Maddie - The Truth of the Lie' spoke to the news agency Lusa, after the WikiLeaks site revealed a confidential cable from the British ambassador in Lisbon, of 2007, admitting to his U.S. counterpart in the Portuguese capital, that it was the British police that had found evidence against Madeleine's parents.

However, Gonçalo Amaral insists that «it was not the British police who had arrived at those conclusions». «I do not know what evidence are those that the British ambassador was referring to when he spoke with the U.S. ambassador. Now that there are strong indications as to the responsibility of parents, there are, and they were gathered by Portuguese police in cooperation with the British police», he assured.

Gonçalo Amaral also expects for Wikileaks to be able to get «the long awaited for satellite images».

Clarence Mitchell, the 'Drama Shark' and Dave Edgar, rent-a-cop

Meanwhile, the McCanns' spokesman, Clarence Mitchell, played down these revelations, considering that the cable in question - which was also published in the British newspaper 'The Guardian' - was only an «entirely historic note».

in TVI24 - 14.12.2010

'Madeleine Case': British Police indicated the parents

The British Ambassador certifies to the US the accusations presented by the Portuguese police

by Miguel Mora

Only one among the 250,000 cables leaked by Wikileaks makes reference to the sad and tragic case of Madeleine McCann, the British girl who disappeared in Praia da Luz (Algarve) on the night of May 3, 2007 and whose fate is still no known.

The confidential cable was sent by Lisbon on 29 September of that year, only 20 days after the girl's parents leaft Portugal in haste after being questioned at Portimão's police station on suspicion of accidental death and concealment of Maddie's cadaver.

In the cable, the then new British ambassador in Lisbon, Alexander W. Ellis admits to his U.S. counterpart, Alfred Hoffman, that it was the British police who found the evidence against Madeleine's parents. According to what Hoffmann wrote, Ellis "did not go into details of the case" but "admitted that it had been the police of his own country who had developed the evidence."

The ambassador, Ellis, also told his counterpart that the security forces of both countries "were working in a coordinated way" on the case, and regarding the huge media frenzy, he said that it "was expected and acceptable, as long as the representatives of the Government maintained their comments behind closed doors."

Ellis recommends total secrecy, suggesting that their job is to keep the case secret with the Portuguese government. And above all, he admits privately what the spokesperson for the family and the British Government never admitted publicly, that the move of making Madeleine's parents, Gerry and Kate, official suspects [arguidos] was due to evidence obtained by the British police who was sent to the Algarve.

Many Portuguese and international media, amongst them EL PAÍS, told at the time what Ellis confirmed in secrecy: that it was the British police, with the help of the [CSI] expert dogs brought from England, who found the evidence of Maddie's likely death (cadaver odour, blood and residues of bodily fluids), both on the wall of the apartment to the trunk of the car that the McCanns had rented.

Those findings, together with some inconsistencies shown by the friends and Maddie's parents, prompted the Portuguese police to declare Kate and Gerry McCann as arguidos (suspects in the Portuguese judicial system) and to take their statements on September 6 for almost 11 hours.

Three days later, the McCann staged a spectacular escape, at dawn, from Praia da Luz to Faro airport and from there to England. On July 21, 2008, the Portuguese Attorney General decided to shelve the case and exonerated the parents for lack of conclusive evidence.

Source: El País

ID: 124011
Date: 2007-09-28 15:36:00
Origin: 07LISBON2527
Source: Embassy Lisbon
Classification: CONFIDENTIAL
Dunno:
Destination: VZCZCXRO1258
RR RUEHDBU RUEHFL RUEHKW RUEHLA RUEHROV RUEHSR
DE RUEHLI #2527/01 2711536
ZNY CCCCC ZZH
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FM AMEMBASSY LISBON
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 6308
INFO RUEHZL/EUROPEAN POLITICAL COLLECTIVE

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 LISBON 002527

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

STATE FOR EUR/WE KEVIN OPSTRUP

E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/25/2017
TAGS: PGOV, PREL, OFDP, PO
SUBJECT: PORTUGAL: UK AMBASSADOR ON ENERGY SECURITY,
RUSSIA, EU-AFRICA SUMMIT, AND MCCANN CASE

Classified By: POL/ECON TIFFANY MCGRIFF FOR REASONS 1.4 (B),(D)

SUMMARY
-------
1. (C) On September 21, newly-arrived British Ambassador Alexander Wykeham Ellis informed Ambassador Hoffman that European concerns over Russia's aggressive energy policies and the need for market competition were the driving forces behind the third EU energy liberalization package. He suggested that Russia's position with its neighbors was guided by a self-proclaimed right to do "what it wants, when it wants" in its own neighborhood. Regarding Robert Mugabe's participation in the proposed EU-Africa Summit, Ellis said the UK would not discourage other member states from participating if PM Brown stayed away. He doubted, however, if the Dutch, Irish, or Swedish would attend in Brown's absence. Ellis also noted that it was the British police that developed the current evidence against Madeleine McCann's parents in the high-profile case that has captured international attention. He informed the Ambassador that former British Ambassador John Buck had accepted a private-sector position at a UK gas company and that his departure had nothing to do with bilateral issues. END SUMMARY

RUSSIA'S ENERGY GAME IS COMING TO AN END
----------------------------------------
2. (C) According to Ellis, European concerns over Russia's aggressive energy policies and the need for increased market competition were the driving forces behind the third EU energy liberalization package. He called Russia the greatest threat to European energy security and described its energy policies as a "game that's coming to an end." He argued that Gazprom's sustainability depends on the European distribution network and that Putin, who is "always trying to make a point to Europe," knew and understood this reality. Quoting a statement he had heard elsewhere, Ellis described Russia as "too strong, too weak"; suggesting that it was a bipolar society divided by feelings of strength and empowerment and internal fears of national failure.

RUSSIA, THE BIG BAD NEIGHBOR
----------------------------
3. (C) When questioned about Kosovo and Russia's relationship with its neighbors, Ellis suggested that Russia's position (on Kosovo) was driven by a self-proclaimed right to do "what it wants, when it wants" in its own neighborhood. Ellis did not believe that Russia had high regard for Serbia or any of its other neighbors, but rather it feared outside influences in the region. Reflecting on his position as Director of the EU Enlargement Team in London (2001-2003), Ellis noted that completing the 2004 EU enlargement phase had been difficult, and hypothesized that if the Russia of now were the Russia of then, the process would have been nearly impossible.

MUGABE...AND THE OTHER BAD GUYS
-------------------------------
4. (C) According to Ellis, the UK's position on Zimbabwe has not changed; if Robert Mugabe showed up, then Gordon Brown would not. However, he could not confirm if the British government would send any representatives. While he claimed that the UK had steered away from discouraging other member stated from attending, he noted the possibility that the Dutch, Irish, and Swedish leaders may follow Brown's lead. Regarding Chavez and Ahmadinejad, Ellis commented that Portugal's approach was centered on "engagement" -- even with the so-called bad guys. Ambassador Hoffman countered that "irrational people cannot be expected to behave rationally." While acknowledging that the US position was justifiable, Ellis responded that there were sensitivities at play for Portugal, especially regarding Venezuela. (Note: There are
approximately a half-million Portuguese living in Venezuela. End Note)

THE MADELEINE MCCANN CASE
-------------------------
5. (C) Madeleine McCann's disappearance in the south of Portugal in May 2007 has generated international media attention with controversy surrounding the Portuguese-led police investigation and the actions of Madeleine's parents. Without delving into the details of the case, Ellis admitted that the British police had developed the current evidence against the McCann parents, and he stressed that authorities from both countries were working cooperatively. He commented that the media frenzy was to be expected and was acceptable as long as government officials keep their comments behind closed doors.

BIOGRAPHIC INFORMATION
-----------------------------------------
6. (SBU) Ellis, a former school teacher, joined Britain's

LISBON 00002527 002 OF 002

Foreign and Commonwealth Office in 1990 and moved progressively up the chain to Ambassador. Lisbon was his first foreign tour as a diplomat, followed by postings in
Brussels, Madrid and London. He has also served as Director of the EU Enlargement Team in London (2001-2003) and as adviser on energy policies and trade issues (2005-2007) under EC President Jose Barroso. He is married to Portuguese citizen Maria Teresa Adegas and has a nine-year old son. Ellis informed Ambassador Hoffman that former British Ambassador John Buck had accepted a private-sector position with a British gas company and that his abrupt departure in August 2007 had nothing to do with bilateral issues.

Hoffman

Watch: What Lies Beneath the Truth - based on the book written by the Portuguese Judiciary Police former Inspector-Coordinator Gonçalo Amaral, the officer who was removed from the investigation to the so-called "Maddie Case" (English Subs)



This documentary was censored in the UK and banned in Portugal, it was based on a book which was also banned in Portugal via an injunction filed by the McCann couple after more than one year had gone by since both documentary and book were, respectively broadcast and published. The McCann couple only filed the above mentioned injunction when negotiations were taking place to publish both book and documentary in the UK. The censorship of both documentary and book envisages their destruction, that is the ultimate McCann couple objective, as stated by their own lawyer. The McCann couple action is a clear attack to a fundamental and inalienable right as stated in Article 37 of the Portuguese Constitution, Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights and UN's Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Sign the Petition created by Citizens in Defence of Rights and Freedoms - Project Justice Gonçalo Amaral and help us restore Freedom of Speech & Expression in Portugal. International : http://gonaral.epetitions.net Portuguese Citizens & Foreign Citizens residing in Portugal please sign this Petition instead 'Petição Projecto Justiça Gonçalo Amaral' http://www.peticaopublica.com/?pi=PJGA Both Project Justice Gonçalo Amaral petitions will be sent to the European Court of Human Rights, the European Parliament, the Justice Ombudsman; the Portuguese petition will also be sent to the Assembleia da República in Lisbon. More information in different languages here: http://pjga.blogspot.com/

Note: the McCann's injunction on the book was overturned by a Superior Court ruling: Lisbon Appeals Court Decision on the McCann Couple Injunction

Related: 'Maddie: The Truth of The Lie' Documentary Transcript in English & Exclusive Video: McCanns Press Conference

Read as well

WikiLeaks cables: UK police 'developed' evidence against McCanns

Looking Back on the McCann Case: British Ambassador John Buck and Algarve Consul Bill Henderson

McCann Case: Freedom of Information Act on John Buck former Ambassador

McCanns Strange Connections: Another British Consul Resigns

Good Riddance Mr. Ellis

McCann Case: Foreign Office Secrets

"Maddie died and the parents concealed"

WikiLeaks cables: UK police 'developed' evidence against McCanns

British ambassador's reported comments to US counterpart offer insight into role of UK police in 2007 investigation

by Ben Quinn

British police helped to "develop evidence" against Madeleine McCann's parents as they were investigated by Portuguese police as formal suspects in the disappearance of their daughter, the US ambassador to Portugal was told by his British counterpart in September 2007.

The meeting between US ambassador Al Hoffman and the British ambassador, Alexander Wykeham Ellis, took place a fortnight after Kate and Gerry McCann were formally declared arguidos, or suspects, by Portuguese police.

In a diplomatic cable marked confidential, the US ambassador reported: "Without delving into the details of the case, Ellis admitted that the British police had developed the current evidence against the McCann parents, and he stressed that authorities from both countries were working co-operatively."

The comments attributed to the ambassador appear to contradict the widespread perception at the time that Portuguese investigators were the driving force behind the treatment of the McCanns as suspects in the case.

The disclosure comes as WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange returns to court in an attempt to secure bail following his arrest last week at the request of Swedish authorities who want to interview him over allegations of sexual assault. A number of other cables released by the whistleblowers' website shed new light on aspects of the financial crisis. Revelations include:

• RBS chairman Sir Philip Hampton said the board of the bank breached their "fiduciary responsibilities" by allowing the takeover of the Dutch bank ABN Amro.

• The Bank of England governor, Mervyn King, was so worried about the health of the banks that he proposed a secret international fund to recapitalise them six months before the collapse of Lehman Brothers.

• US officials expressed doubts in October 2008 over whether Ireland appreciated how much trouble its banks were in.

In one of two cables referring to the McCann case, the US ambassador notes: "Madeleine McCann's disappearance in the south of Portugal in May 2007 has generated international media attention with controversy surrounding the Portuguese-led police investigation and the actions of Madeleine's parents."

He reported that his British counterpart thought "that the media frenzy was to be expected and was acceptable as long as government officials keep their comments behind closed doors".

It was not until 21 July 2008 that the Portuguese authorities shelved their investigation and lifted the arguido status of the McCanns. Responding to the contents of the cable, a spokesman for the McCanns told the Guardian: "This is an entirely historic note that is more than three years old. Subsequently, Kate and Gerry had their arguido status lifted, with the Portuguese authorities making it perfectly clear that there was absolutely no evidence to implicate them in Madeleine's disappearance whatsoever.

"To this day, they continue to work tirelessly on the search for their daughter, co-operating when appropriate with both the Portuguese and British authorities."

British authorities had substantial involvement in the investigation launched after Madeleine disappeared in May 2007 from the holiday apartment where the McCanns had left their three children in bed before joining friends at a nearby restaurant in the Algarve village of Praia da Luz.

At least one British sniffer dog was used in the investigation and, according to reports, was said to have picked up the scent of a dead body in the apartment.

In 2008, when a dossier detailing investigations by the Portuguese police was made public, it emerged that British scientists had warned that DNA tests on a sample from the McCanns' holiday hire car were inconclusive days before they were made suspects. It is known that the Forensic Science Service analysed material sent to Britain by Portuguese police.

A spokesman for Leicestershire police said that their involvement in the investigation was limited to co-ordinating UK-based inquiries on behalf of the Portuguese authorities.

Source: The Guardian

US embassy cables: British police 'developed evidence' against McCanns, Washington told

Friday, 28 September 2007, 15:36
C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 LISBON 002527
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
STATE FOR XXXXXXXXXXXX
EO 12958 DECL: 09/25/2017
TAGS PGOV, PREL, OFDP">OFDP, PO">PO">PO
SUBJECT: PORTUGAL: UK AMBASSADOR ON ENERGY SECURITY,
RUSSIA, EU-AFRICA SUMMIT, AND MCCANN CASE
Classified By: XXXXXXXXXXXX FOR REASONS 1.4 (B),(D)

SUMMARY

-------

1. (C) On September 21, newly-arrived British Ambassador Alexander Wykeham Ellis informed Ambassador Hoffman that European concerns over Russia's aggressive energy policies and the need for market competition were the driving forces behind the third EU energy liberalization package. He suggested that Russia's position with its neighbors was guided by a self-proclaimed right to do "what it wants, when it wants" in its own neighborhood. Regarding Robert Mugabe's participation in the proposed EU-Africa Summit, Ellis said the UK would not discourage other member states from participating if PM Brown stayed away. He doubted, however, if the Dutch, Irish, or Swedish would attend in Brown's absence. Ellis also noted that it was the British police that developed the current evidence against Madeleine McCann's parents in the high-profile case that has captured international attention. He informed the Ambassador that former British Ambassador John Buck had accepted a private-sector position at a UK gas company and that his departure had nothing to do with bilateral issues. END SUMMARY

RUSSIA'S ENERGY GAME IS COMING TO AN END

----------------------------------------

2. (C) According to Ellis, European concerns over Russia's aggressive energy policies and the need for increased market competition were the driving forces behind the third EU energy liberalization package. He called Russia the greatest threat to European energy security and described its energy policies as a "game that's coming to an end." He argued that Gazprom's sustainability depends on the European distribution network and that Putin, who is "always trying to make a point to Europe," knew and understood this reality. Quoting a statement he had heard elsewhere, Ellis described Russia as "too strong, too weak"; suggesting that it was a bipolar society divided by feelings of strength and empowerment and internal fears of national failure.

RUSSIA, THE BIG BAD NEIGHBOR

----------------------------

3. (C) When questioned about Kosovo and Russia's relationship with its neighbors, Ellis suggested that Russia's position (on Kosovo) was driven by a self-proclaimed right to do "what it wants, when it wants" in its own neighborhood. Ellis did not believe that Russia had high regard for Serbia or any of its other neighbors, but rather it feared outside influences in the region. Reflecting on his position as Director of the EU Enlargement Team in London (2001-2003), Ellis noted that completing the 2004 EU enlargement phase had been difficult, and hypothesized that if the Russia of now were the Russia of then, the process would have been nearly impossible.

MUGABE...AND THE OTHER BAD GUYS

-------------------------------

4. (C) According to Ellis, the UK's position on Zimbabwe has not changed; if Robert Mugabe showed up, then Gordon Brown would not. However, he could not confirm if the British government would send any representatives. While he claimed that the UK had steered away from discouraging other member stated from attending, he noted the possibility that the Dutch, Irish, and Swedish leaders may follow Brown's lead. Regarding Chavez and Ahmadinejad, Ellis commented that Portugal's approach was centered on "engagement" -- even with the so-called bad guys. Ambassador Hoffman countered that "irrational people cannot be expected to behave rationally." While acknowledging that the US position was justifiable, Ellis responded that there were sensitivities at play for Portugal, especially regarding Venezuela. (Note: There are approximately a half-million Portuguese living in Venezuela. End Note)

THE MADELEINE MCCANN CASE

-------------------------

5. (C) Madeleine McCann's disappearance in the south of Portugal in May 2007 has generated international media attention with controversy surrounding the Portuguese-led police investigation and the actions of Madeleine's parents. Without delving into the details of the case, Ellis admitted that the British police had developed the current evidence against the McCann parents, and he stressed that authorities from both countries were working cooperatively. He commented that the media frenzy was to be expected and was acceptable as long as government officials keep their comments behind closed doors.

BIOGRAPHIC INFORMATION

-----------------------------------------

6. (SBU) Ellis, a former school teacher, joined Britain's

LISBON 00002527 002 OF 002

Foreign and Commonwealth Office in 1990 and moved progressively up the chain to Ambassador. Lisbon was his first foreign tour as a diplomat, followed by postings in Brussels, Madrid and London. He has also served as Director of the EU Enlargement Team in London (2001-2003) and as adviser on energy policies and trade issues (2005-2007) under EC President Jose Barroso. XXXXXXXXXXXX Ellis informed Ambassador Hoffman that former British Ambassador John Buck had accepted a private-sector position with a British gas company and that his abrupt departure in August 2007 had nothing to do with bilateral issues.

XXXXXXXXXXXX

Source: The Guardian

US embassy cables: Madeleine McCann case pushes EU to act on child abductions

Thursday, 11 October 2007, 13:48
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 LISBON 002605
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
EO 12958 N/A
TAGS KJUS, MOPS, PO">PO">PO, PREL, PTER, EUN
SUBJECT: EU JHA INFORMAL MINISTERIAL

1. Summary. EU Justice and Home Affairs ministers met informally in Lisbon October 1-2. An embassy officer attended to follow discussion of such topics as the elimination of land and sea travel barriers in December, the establishment of a counternarcotics analysis and operations center, the submission of a package of counterterrorism proposals by Vice President Frattini in November, the submission of a package of border control proposals by Frattini in February, and the establishment of a missing children alert system based on the U.S. Amber Alert. End summary.

Justice and Home Affairs Informal Ministerial

---------------------------------------------

2. European Union Justice and Home Affairs (JHA) Ministers held an informal ministerial in Lisbon October 1-2, chaired by Portuguese Minister of Internal Administration Rui Pereira and Minister for Justice Alberto Costa. Representatives from relevant EU institutions, Vice President of the European Commission Franco Frattini, and the Turkish Minister for Justice Mehmet Ali Sahin also participated. An embassy officer attended the proceedings to hear public statements first-hand and to engage attendees on the margins.

3. As a lead-in to the meetings, on September 30 participating member states formally signed the protocol to establish the Maritime Analysis and Operations Center - Narcotics (MAOC-N). Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, Ireland, Netherlands, and the United Kingdom founded the center to share intelligence and coordinate counternarcotics efforts. The U.S., though not formally a member, has liaison officers assigned to the MAOC.

4. Also on the agenda but in advance of the informal ministerial meetings, the Spanish and Portuguese Interior Ministers held a bilateral meeting in which they established a task force to coordinate counterterrorism investigations and prosecutions. Pereira noted that although bilateral cooperation had long existed, the task force was established to be more proactive in regard to investigations and cooperation. During the proceedings, Portugal also signed a bilateral agreement with Malta to resettle refugees in Portugal that are currently resident in Malta.

Home Affairs - Prevention of Terrorism and Border Management

--------------------------------------------- ---------------

5. SIS/VIS: Frattini and Pereira both noted that by Christmas, all land and sea barriers in the Schengen area will be removed for nine participating Schengen states, Cyprus having requested an extension. Air travel barriers, he said, would be removed in March. Noting that the Schengen Information System (SIS) has succeeded in its testing phase, Frattini suggested that the formal decision to implement the new rules will be taken in November. Frattini also suggested that the EU must have an entry-exit register complete with biometric identifiers. This would, he opined, help manage overstays as well as be a useful data source for security services. Additionally, he noted that various databases and security systems need to be integrated and expanded to include travelers without visas. Moreover, such a European surveillance system must be accessible to local law enforcement. An aide to Frattini said that this package of proposals would be submitted to the college of Commissioners in February.

6. PNR/ETA: Frattini said he would submit a terrorism package to the Commissioners November 6 that includes a proposal to establish formally an EU-wide Passenger Name Recognition (PNR) system. He noted that the requirements demanded by U.S. negotiators convinced him that the European security services should have access to the same kind of information. Pereira and German Minister Schauble suggested that, in addition to the intelligence value, a PNR system would allow the EU to negotiate with the U.S. on an equal footing and would allow for balanced cooperation. Pereira said he would also support a PNR for intra-European flights. Schauble said further discussion on that point would be needed. Frattini and Schauble both noted that electronic travel authorizations (ETA) are useful not just for improving security, but also improving the customer service at airports. With ever increasing crowds at airports, Schauble noted that it is in a traveler's interest to participate in a voluntary ETA program.

7. Internet: Frattini will also submit a proposal to punish misuse of the internet. This will not, he stressed, be a limit on the freedom of expression. Pereira noted that the proposal would be limited to taking down sites that specifically incite terrorism or provide instruction in how

LISBON 00002605 002 OF 002

to commit terrorist acts. Indeed, added Frattini, the EU already has a regulation that prohibits transfer of illegal data on the internet, without causing concerns of limitation of freedom of speech. This proposal, he continued, would only add the specific mention of terrorism. Such an update, he opined, is a good example of why the EU needs regularly to review and update its bodies of law.

8. Conspiracy: Pereira noted that Italian Minister Amato suggested that the ministers consider developing an EU agreement to incorporate conspiracy statutes into existing law. Current legislation is directed towards formal terrorist organizations, which does not adequately address current realities. Italy, and a few other states, punish conspiracy without being part of a formal organization; Pereira and Frattini each enthusiastically supported the idea that the EU consider the question.

9. Pruhm Treaty: Slovenian Interior Minister Dragutin Mate suggested that, agreement being reached, it was incumbent on Slovenia to develop the technical handbooks for implementation.

Justice

-------

10. e-Justice Portal: Costa issued a statement that ministers agreed that the EU should have an information technology system to facilitate access to member states' judicial systems and registry systems. Member states will compile best practices on IT and regularly review performance.

11. Missing Children Alert: Frattini used the well-known case of Madeleine McCann, a missing British girl, to lay out his intention to develop an EU wide alert system for missing children. Frattini specifically and repeatedly mentioned the Amber Alert system in the U.S. as the model that the EU needed to copy. In addition, the e-Justice Portal, according to Costa, will include a list of missing children and direct users to appropriate Hague Convention resources.

12. Child Protection: Costa also noted that the ministers agreed to expand the role of the European Mediator for international child abductions and to support the strengthening and implementation of laws related to child protection. Hoffman

Source: The Guardian

Related: 'Caso Madeleine': La policía británica apuntó a los padres published by El País - translated at 'Madeleine Case': British Police indicated the parents

Wikileaks: Madeleine Mccann talked about in US Embassy cables

Around 100 suggestions an hour are coming through from readers suggesting subjects to search for in the cables database. We've set up a small team to go through them and so far the results look promising. Several people suggested searching for information on Madeleine McCann, the British girl who went missing in Portugal in 2007, for example. She is indeed mentioned in at least two cables from the US embassy in Lisbon. No clues to her fate, unfortunately, but some interesting observations on the involvement of British police, which we'll relay once we've checked them out. Similarly, lots of interest in the murder of Russian journalist Anna Politkovskaya, who was killed in 2006 and is mentioned in around 70 cables. Other popular requests for more infomation include the private security firm Blackwater (mentioned 159 times in the cables) and several themes that have already been trawled over by Guardian journalists such as Bosnian war crimes, but which may be worth returning to on the basis of more detailed search suggestions. Please keep the ideas coming by sending tweets to @gdncables (preferably with details of dates and locations) and we'll try to respond as quickly as possible and keep you updated on the 'you ask, we search' exercise via this blog.

via Guardian

On the Side (still on the Matter of Freedom of Speech & Right to Information)

The 'formerly banned by the McCann couple' book, whose trustee, Isabel Duarte, the couple's lawyer affirmed that “nothing will force her to return them”, in spite of a Superior Court ruling which obliged her to deliver the books to their rightful owner; have finally been returned to Guerra & Paz Editors. We, in this blog congratulate Guerra & Paz book publishers as well as the book author of “Maddie - A Verdade da Mentira”, Gonçalo Amaral, for fighting and for standing up against the machiavelic censorship attempt by a couple of former arguidos.

Wikileaks: For Freedom Of Speech & Information

Doaha, 5 years old at the hospital after the attack on her fathers mini-van.

via collateralmurder.com

WikiLeaks has released a classified US military video depicting the indiscriminate slaying of over a dozen people in the Iraqi suburb of New Baghdad -- including two Reuters news staff. Reuters has been trying to obtain the video through the Freedom of Information Act, without success since the time of the attack. The video, shot from an Apache helicopter gun-sight, clearly shows the unprovoked slaying of a wounded Reuters employee and his rescuers. Two young children involved in the rescue were also seriously wounded.

Iraq's Secret War Files







via Channel 4

Julian Assange Petition

The only TV documentary to have advance access to the biggest WikiLeaks release ever. This is what really happened during the Iraq war, not what the US PR machine of the time wanted us to believe. The reality behind the civilian death count; al-Qaeda's fictitious presence; torture, torture and more torture. A wall of truth revealing unprecedented levels of unwarranted aggression.

Dispatches, Channel 4's flagship current affairs strand, exposes the full and unreported horror of the Iraqi conflict and its aftermath, revealing the true scale of civilian casualties; and allegations that after the scandal of Abu Ghraib, American soldiers continued to abuse prisoners; and that US forces did not systematically intervene in the torture and murder of detainees by the Iraqi security services. The programme also features previously unreported material of insurgents being killed while trying to surrender.

Channel 4 is the only UK broadcaster to have been given access to nearly 400,000 secret military significant activities reports (SIGACTS) logged by the US military in Iraq between 2004 and 2009. These reports tell the story of the war and occupation which the US military did not want the world to know.

Initially, the Americans claimed that they were not recording casualty figures and President Bush stated that America would do its utmost to avoid civilian casualties. In the files, Dispatches found details of over 109,000 deaths; 66,000 of these were civilians; 176,000 civilians and others were reported as wounded.

Under rules of engagement, known as escalation of force, anyone approaching the US military was warned to slow down and stop. The analysis reveals more than 800 people were killed in escalation of force incidents: 681 (80%) of these were civilians; a further 2,200 were wounded. Thirteen coalition troops were killed during these incidents. Dispatches found 30 children had been killed when shots were fired near civilians by US troops at checkpoints.

Over a six-year period, the data records the imprisonment of 180,000 Iraqis: one in 50 of the adult male population. Dispatches found more than 300 reports alleging abuse by US forces on Iraqi prisoners after April 2004.

The Americans effectively ignored the torture and murder of many detainees by Iraqi security forces. Dispatches has found evidence of more than 1,300 individual cases of the torture and abuse of Iraqi prisoners by Iraqis in police stations and army bases: witnessed or reported on by American troops. Dispatches reveals that US troops were ordered not to investigate Iraqi-on-Iraqi violence.

The data shows that the Americans were aware of the horrific level of violence inflicted by Iraqi sectarian militias: over 32,500 murders; more than 10,000 shot in the head; nearly 450 decapitated; over 160 were children.

One of the reasons given for the invasion of Iraq was the suggestion of links between Iraq and Al Qaeda. The US told the UN Security Council in 2003 that Iraq 'harboured' the terrorist network. However, in the leaked data there are only seven reports mentioning Al Qaeda in 2004, and none of these refer to Al Qaeda killing anyone. By 2008, there are 8,208 reports mentioning Al Qaeda attributing to it the deaths of 45 coalition soldiers, 486 members of the Iraqi Security Services and 1,291 civilians.

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