Publish and be damned

The Madeleine McCann case has taken another twist today.

The Portuguese Supreme court has refused to hear an application for an “exceptional review” of an Appeal Court decision, made last October, to re-establish a ban on the Goncalo Amaral book, Madeleine McCann, ‘The Truth of the Lie’.

Goncalo Amaral was the lead investigating detective into the missing child, until he was removed from the case in controversial circumstances in October 2007.

Under the terms of the ruling by the appeals court, upheld today by the supreme court, the McCann’s must return all copies of the book which were seized when a lower court ruled it a breach of their human rights to a family life: the McCann’s having claimed the book had caused themselves and their remaining children irreparable damage.

The central tenet of Amaral’s account is that Madeleine McCann died as the result of an accident and that Kate and Gerry McCann, and the friends, with whom they were holidaying in Praia De Luz, were part of a conspiracy to cover up the death: the McCann’s claim that their daughter was abducted.

Goncalo Amaral is now free to publish, distribute and sell his book.

At the time of the banning order an English translation was being prepared.

Kate McCann has also written a book, entitled Madeleine, which will appear in the shops later in the year; the proceeds of which will go towards their fund.

The original launch date had to be moved back, because it clashed with the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton.