The disappearance of Madeleine McCann has been a big story for a number of media outlets. Martim Cabral, Deputy News Editor for Portuguese TV station SIC, gives us his perspective.

The search for Madeleine is one of the biggest manhunts that I can remember ever having taken place in Portugal.

The sheer number of police officers, detectives and members of other emergency and rescue services involved has left many people here in Portugal wondering if the same effort would be made if the victim wasn’t a foreigner.

The authorities say they treat all cases with the same thoroughness, whatever the nationality, but the fact is that in the Algarve at the moment the only thing missing are the armed forces.

Notwithstanding the criticism which has been voiced in the British media about the search operation, the fact is that Portuguese detectives have an enviable record in these kinds of cases.

In 2006, 30 children (the majority adolescents) went missing in Portugal. Twenty-four were recovered. It’s not 100 per cent but it’s not bad.

The fact is the Portuguese Judiciary Police (Detective Division) has a very good reputation for thoroughness and an enviable success rate.

As a journalist I too am frustrated by the laws of this country, which prohibit police officers during an investigation from speaking to the press.

The reasoning behind the law is legitimate and valid – it aims to protect the identity of the people being investigated and someone who could turn out to be innocent from having their names splashed all over the media and their reputations ruined.

But the fact remains that we live in an era of 24 hours news cycles – my station (SIC TV) also has a 24 hour news channel like SKY as well as an Internet site. And these media ‘beasts’ have to be fed regularly.

The answer surely is for the authorities to hold regular briefings where they can reveal some information without prejudicing the investigation – especially in a case like this one where there is such huge international interest. This is what the Portuguese police in the Algarve are now doing.

Comments

[Natalie, Japan 14 May 2007 03:46:58]

I really hope they find Madeleine safe and sound!

[Jennifer, Porto Portugal 14 May 2007 00:33:38]

What happened to Madeleine is very tragic. She is in all our hearts. However, as a foreigner living in Portugal, I am appalled by the constant criticizing of the Portuguese Police. I feel that the Police, the media and the Portuguese public have been doing everything to find Maddie. Thank you for publishing this article.

With that said, the most important thing is Maddies safe return. My thoughts and prayers are with Maddie and her family at this difficult time

[Tuga 13 May 2007 21:18:35]

What about start to tell that they are swingers ? At 19:00 hours, the sun still good to go to beach but the kids, in holidays, are sleeping (drugs ?)Are now more than 100 pedofiles from UK in Algarve and the fabolous Britsh nothind tould ?

[Paul & Paula Walsh 13 May 2007 20:12:33]

We know in our hearts that Madeleine will be fine, this is not a time for criticism or retribution but this is a time to think of Madeleine and her safe return, positive thoughts for her every day - to the people who are holding Madeleine, if she were your child please think how you would feel now,please give her back to her mummy and daddy.

[Alan Redfern 13 May 2007 10:52:09]

Thank you Martim Cabral for giving a more balanced view of the news coverage surrounding this story. SkyNews you are, as well as a British News station, part the global scene. Your reports should be balanced and you should explain the reasons behind the Portuguese Police's methods of working. Different strokes for different folks!
They way you are reporting this is clearly designed to cause a fog of emotion where the public forget the underlying reason why Maddie is missing - she was left with her siblings without care.
Also clearly the Portugese Police are doing everything they can to find Maddie
As for Anna in Praia da Luz who reported yesterday (Maddies birthday)with a tear in her eye and a frog in her throat - "no" - where is your anger as a woman and maybe also a mother that a mother can leave not just Maddie but her twin siblings alone at night while she goes out. Thay night will forever be on their conscience.
Every child has the right of care and clearly for one moment Maddie wasn't given the care she should have been.
Every child also has the right to be free from fear and abuse and like all other parents sincerly hope that by some miracle now Maddie is found alive and well.

[Glynis, Portugal 13 May 2007 00:00:23]

What can I do?
Dear God,what can I do for You
To calm another's fear,
One who dreads another dawn,
Who drowns in troubled tears?
Help me,God,to ease the pain
That rends that heart with sorrow,
To shed a glimmer of Your light
To brighten a tomorrow.

[cheryl corby northants 12 May 2007 23:59:37]

i have already messaged but feel i need to send another, i feel so desperate for this situation, l know everyone is praying hard for the safe return of little madeline, the new poster is great, and the distinguished eye feature could be the recognition needed to secure the happy outcome, ihave been passing the new poster to my relatives in usa and have requested a close family friend who is an airhostess in usa could pass them about as she travels all over the world, Tony Blairs lasting legacy could be how he organised something that would help find madeline. god bless everyone helping and praying for the positive outcome of this traumatic event.

[Catherine O'Hare, N Ireland. 12 May 2007 17:07:47]

To Kate, Gerry, and family.

I hope that your beautiful family are soon put back together again...

Myself, my husband and three children are praying for Madeleines safe return to you all where she belongs.

My two older children have told me that Madeleine and yourselves have been included in their prayers at school.

She is a beautiful little angel and we will be praying for her and you especially today... her fourth birthday.

Happy birthday Madeleine....

Please let Madeleine home to her mummy, daddy, Amelie and Sean.She needs them and they need her.

Good luck and stay strong for each other.

[Samantha Compton 12 May 2007 14:22:30]

My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and little madeline . This is a parents worst nightmare, I prayer to god that she is safe and well I will be lighting a candel at my catholic church tonight when I go to mass,

[tracey west sussex 12 May 2007 09:52:15]

I cant believe how anyone can take a sleeping child away from their mother, it makes me sick to the stomach that these people are allowed to even exist, isnt it about time in this day and age that the world toughened up and stop kidding themselves that people can be rehabilatated into the community! I was shocked to hear that known sex offenders are even allowed to travel even more so to a country that doesnt have border controls to spain. If ever there was a need for capital punishment it is for sick people who harm children. I pray that Madeline is found and returned to her family and hope the bastards who have done this pay for their crime in the worst way! They should be handed over to the public!!!

[Catherine Williams, Cheshire, UK 12 May 2007 09:22:06]

I have two young children, one of which went missing when he was 3 years old also.

Luckily for me, he was only gone for an hour or so but it was the most terrifying time of my life and I would never wish it upon my worst enemy.

Having said that he was playing in my garden and I was making tea nad feeding the baby, not sat in a restaurant with friends getting sloshed.

I think the police in potugal have put in a tremendous effort but I think the point that the McCann family were making is that the police didn't react quickly enough to the fact that the child was abducted.

I hope that this is over for the family soon, whatever the outcome as not knowing is probably the worst thing.

God bless you Maddy xxx

[Kim Haughey 11 May 2007 06:34:28]

Please, keep Maddy amongst the top stories. If there is any chance that showing her picture and details, will help find her, then her story must be aired for as long as possible. I and many others are so distressed about her dissapearance, this is all we can ask to do to help.
Many thanks
Kim Haughey.

[Louise Barry Ireland 10 May 2007 22:34:15]

my thoughts and prayers are with the Mccann family... please God Madeline will return home to her family soon...

[Carlos Moreira, Rio Tinto, Portugal 10 May 2007 22:04:50]

I would like to say that the Portugal has no longer any effectively controlled borders with Spain. Our borders are a shame! We have terrorists, pedophiles, arms and drugs dealers passing through so easily by the major international motorways, if you Britons could only witness this shame to our country! Our government must enforce our borders immediately, but European laws prevents us from doing it.

[sandra 10 May 2007 18:33:51]

Every single child who's been abducted,deserves the same attention that little madeleine is having ,i hope they find her unharmed ,but i also know that the phisicological scars will stay there forever...half of the world is praying for her...

[PAULINE SMITH - SPAIN 10 May 2007 16:55:23]

THE PORTUGUESE POLICE ARE DOING A TREMENDOUS JOB, UNDER DIFFFICULT CIRCUMSTANCES, I HOPE AND PRAY FOR MADELEINE TO BE RETURNED TO HER FAMILY SOON.

[vivienne chigwell esseX 10 May 2007 16:14:30]

it looks like the world has been gripped by this story and rightly so we all need to keep a look out many eyes and ears can do wonders i watch the news and have dsktop alerts on my work computer i feel sick with worry god only knows the enormous pain the family are going through, i fly to praira de luz 21st may
i have a 12 year old son i will be ewxtra careful as i guess most parents will be
GIVE MADDY BACK YOU WILL BE CAUGHT AND IF I HAD MY WAY ALL CHILD ABUSERS OR CHILD TRAFFICKERS HUNG HUNG HUNG

[Joe Black 10 May 2007 15:22:40]

It's true. As an american living in Portugal since 1991 I can tell that the PJ, the investigation officers, are extremly effective. They are very "stealth" but aggressive when they have something in their hands.

I'm absolutly sure that they are doing the best they can. Even if their methods seem strange for a foreigner. That's how portuguese law works and in my opinion it works well.

[leisa scotland 10 May 2007 14:30:36]

as a mum myself my heart is going out to you both my son is 5 yrs old and i have been trying to explain to him about your wee angel i hope you both get her back very very soon

[Khalid 10 May 2007 13:41:39]

With all due respect to both sides of the argument, I have to agree with the way the Portuguese authorities are dealing with matters only they are best equipped to deal with, taking into consideration national terrain.
Many an armchair detective will no doubt come forward during the 24hour timelines of broadcasting, and as such if the Judiciary Division cannot attend a briefing then why the fuss if for valid operational reasons they want to channel their attention and expertise elsewhere?
The age of the internet has no doubt made more views that much easier to disseminate and understand, bringing about many a desired change, however, if as stated, history has been made insofar as this event, surely we must further take into consideration previous successes stories, that should not be undermined, and if there are changes to be applied, they be bought about in a manner befitting the Portuguese tradition.

[Fred Steele Leicestershire 10 May 2007 13:34:31]

Leaving young children on their own is a crime both here and in Portugal..The parents should face charges. However, I hope Madeleine is found safe and well.

[kirsty poplar 10 May 2007 13:03:49]

elo i am kirsty me n my mum have been watching the poor breaking news bout that 3 year old girl we all think that is bear sad so hear i am showing my love 2 every1 who is helping search for the 3 year old girl who ever has her give her bck 2 her parents she is only 3

[claire, glasgow 10 May 2007 12:41:49]

Please let just forget who is doing what and who is not doing enough and just ****** find the child alive.

[MARIA PORTUGAL 10 May 2007 12:09:40]

THIS IS THE RIGHT OPINION.
I REGRET THAT BRITISH MEDIA AND MADDIE'S FAMILY ARE CRITICISING PORTUGAL'S EFFORTS.
IT IS THE BIGGEST SEARCH EVER DONE IN THIS COUNTRY AND UNFORTUNATELY WE DON'T SEE THE SAME EFFORT BEING DONE ON BEHALF OF MISSING PORTUGUESE CHILDREN.
I HOPE MADDDIE IS FOUND SOON AND THAT BRITAIN REALISES HOW MUCH MONEY AND HUMAN RESOURCES ARE BEING USED IN THIS CASE.

[Stella - London 10 May 2007 11:50:19]

The portuguese police are doing everything to find this little girl, it's not fair the way they have been critised. The law is different in other countries and people must respect that!!

My thoughts are with her parents!!