The prime suspect in the disappearance of Madeleine McCann is appearing in a German court, where he is accused of unrelated sex offences.
Christian B – whose last name is withheld due to privacy laws – is standing trial over two counts of rape and three counts of sexual abuse.
The prosecution alleges the offences took place in Portugal between 2000 and 2017.
Shortly after proceedings began, Christian B’s lawyer announced they had an objection to one of the two lay judges.
They claimed the lay judge’s posts on X had included calls for the death of former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro – and one post allegedly said: “Kill the bastard.”
Christian B’s legal team alleged the lay judge would be unable to carry out her duties because her judgement is impaired – and she would be unable to adhere to the rule of law and human rights.
The court was then adjourned – allowing a decision to be made on whether the session should end for the day, meaning a hearing would be reconvened at a later date.
Christian B was handcuffed as he entered the courtroom – and wearing a light blue suit jacket with dark trousers.
Madeleine McCann
A pensioner and a 10-year-old were among Christian B’s alleged victims, and none of the charges relate to Madeleine McCann.
The 47-year-old is currently in prison after being convicted of raping a 72-year-old in an apartment in Praia da Luz in 2005.
Madeleine was three years old when she went missing while on holiday in the same town on 3 May 2007.
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