Madeleine mother to be named as suspect

[Not_much_cop]

LONDON (AFP) - The mother of missing toddler Madeleine McCann is to be named as a suspect in the case, after being questioned by Portuguese police, the BBC reported Friday.

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Family spokeswoman Justine McGuinness told BBC radio that Kate McCann expected to be named as an "arguido" -- a formal suspect -- when she returned for further questioning during the day.

McCann, 39, was questioned for nearly 11 hours on Thursday in Portimao, southern Portugal. Her then three-year-old daughter disappeared on May 3 from the vacation apartment they were staying at in the Algarve seaside resort of Praia da Luz.

McCann and her lawyer were told during the questioning that she would be going back to police headquarters in Portimao and at some point would be declared a formal suspect, the BBC reported.

McGuinness said the move would take place because the police want to put tough questions to McCann and under Portuguese law she has to have the right to remain silent, which is ensured by "arguido" status.

McCann's husband Gerry was due to be questioned separately on Friday.

There has only been one "arguido" in the case so far: British expatriate Robert Murat.


Does not look good for the McCann's, if they both get Charged as suspects