Madeleine McCann’s Father Urges Increased Press Scrutiny
Gerry McCann, father of missing child Madeleine McCann, is demanding greater press scrutiny as the case approaches its 18th anniversary. His call to action arises from painful experiences with media coverage throughout the investigation into his daughter’s disappearance.
Media Scrutiny and Personal Impact
During the Leveson Inquiry in November 2011, Gerry McCann shared his frustrations regarding the media’s portrayal of him and his wife, Kate. He accused various news outlets of fabricating stories and perpetuating a “sustained, inaccurate and malicious” narrative. This coverage often implied their involvement in Madeleine’s disappearance.
Particularly troubling for the McCanns was the publication of personal information. The now-defunct News of the World published full transcripts of Kate McCann’s private diary, which had been confiscated by police in Portugal during their investigation. The couple remains baffled about how the newspaper came into possession of this sensitive material.
The Ongoing Search for Madeleine
In a recent interview with the Today programme, Gerry McCann reflected on the duration of his daughter’s absence. “Madeleine’s been missing for 18 years, and the bottom line is, we still don’t know what’s happened to her,” he stated. He emphasized that there is a lack of solid evidence regarding her fate, saying, “There is no evidence to say she’s dead.”
While acknowledging the possibility of her death, he reiterated that without concrete proof, the family continues to hold onto hope. “Now we fully understand she may be dead, it may even be probable, but we don’t know that,” he added.
Seeking Protection from Press Harassment
In light of their ongoing struggles with media intrusion, the McCanns have sought assistance from regulatory bodies. A spokesperson for the press regulator, Ipso, informed the BBC that the organization can address instances of press harassment. They encourage anyone facing similar issues to reach out for support.
As the investigation into Madeleine’s disappearance continues, Gerry McCann stresses the importance of responsible reporting, underscoring the profound impact of media narratives on the lives of families facing such tragedies.
