The 48-year-old German man has been the main suspect in the Madeleine McCann case for several years. In 2022, he was formally accused of being behind the girl's disappearance. But crucial evidence to bring charges is still lacking.
The man, who has denied any involvement, is currently serving a prison sentence in Germany for raping a 72-year-old American woman in 2005 at the same Portuguese hotel complex where Madeleine McCann disappeared two years later. But on September 17, the man - who has a history of violent sex crimes - is expected to be released.
"Very dangerous"
Chief prosecutor Christian Wolters says the man is still "very dangerous" and that they assume he will commit new sex crimes.
The prosecutors have applied for the man's release to be conditional - for example, that he should wear an electronic ankle tag and inform them of where he lives. But even if these conditions are approved, he will "in principle be a free man", according to Wolters.
I assume he will leave Germany.
"Nothing that disproves"
British Madeleine McCann disappeared during a family vacation at a tourist resort in Algarve, Portugal. She has still not been found, despite extensive search efforts and significant media attention from around the world.
Christian Wolters emphasizes that the investigation is still ongoing and that there is a possibility that charges may be brought.
I can only say that during the last five years of investigative work, we have not found anything that in any way disproves the suspicion against (the man), he says.
In our eyes, he is responsible for Madeleine's death.
