# McCann vs. Amaral Libel Suit

This libel trial is taking place in Portugal.

“On 24 July 2008, Gonçalo Amaral launches his book 'A Verdade da Mentira', 'Maddie: The Truth Of The Lie', in Lisbon. Its publication was met with a furious reaction from the McCanns and the UK press.” See also The Truth of the Lie, book by Goncales Amaral for further informations.

see at →McCanns v. Gonçalo Amaral: Libel Trial: “ Kate McCann: “He deserves to be miserable and feel fear.” Goncalo Amaral: “They know that Madeleine is dead and that there were no abductors.” The McCanns £1million damages claim against Gonçalo Amaral suffers two delays: The first, apparently due to Snr Amaral's lawyer undergoing surgery and secondly, due to an apparent attempt by the McCanns to negotiate an out of court settlement (as reported in the Portuguese press). The trial is now reported to be going ahead on 12 September 2013, from 9:30am, with further dates understood to be 13, 19, 20, and 27 of September. The UK press have reported that the McCanns will not be attending and there is the possibility that the trial may be conducted behind closed doors.”

see at →Libel Trial Court reports: “Day Eleven - 07 January 2014. Final arguments postponed due to legal discussion. Neither side attended court. Currently awaiting revised date…”

See also →Gonçalo Amaral on the mistakes made by journalists when they state this is a libel trial, it isn't (in portuguese and english (scroll down)):

“Upon reading the news about the last trial session I became certain that the vast majority of journalists is unaware about what is being discussed there and they have not informed themselves properly.

Let us be clear. What is at issue is to establish whether:

1. If the writing of my book “Maddie: A Verdade da Mentira” [Maddie: The Truth of the Lie] has constituted a licit or illicit act;
2. If the authors of the claim have suffered damages and whether there are facts that prove them;
3. If it is possible to establish a causality nexus between the book and the alleged damages.

This is what is in question. As to the legitimacy to write the book, I suggest to anyone who has doubts to read the Lisbon Appeals Court ruling within the scope of the temporary injunction that has preceded the legal action at stake. In fact, for the honourable Appellate Judges - as one can conclude by their decision - the lawfulness of the publication of the book is indisputable….”

Latest News: →Daily Mail (27 July 2014), Former Portuguese policeman being sued by Madeleine McCann's parents for claiming they faked her abduction is planning to sue them BACK

see also The Hunt for Dr. Amaral.