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22nd Jun 2023

Irish woman allegedly attacked by Madeleine McCann suspect proud to get justice

Kat O'Connor

A woman who was allegedly attacked by Madeleine McCann suspect Christian Brueckner said she is proud to bring him to justice.

In an emotional statement on social media, Hazel Behan opened up about how “unbelievably proud” she is.

Brueckner has been accused of raping Behan 19 years ago in Portugal. He also allegedly filmed the attack.

Behan is expected to face the criminal in court at some stage this year.

She wrote on Instagram, “I am not the lonely, unloved person you are.

“I am a mother. I am a wife. I am a daughter, sister, and friend.

She shared, “I laugh, I run freely without limits. I am free. So who is the real winner?”

“16th of June, I salute you. 19 years of saluting this life-changing date. 19 years of celebrating my survival.

Hazel added, “19 years of getting to know the ‘new ‘ me. 19 years of digging deep and finding strength.”

She continued, “19 years of trying to forget. 19 years later I am so unbelievably proud of myself. You are not a victim for sharing your story. You are a survivor setting the world on fire with your truth,” she added.

Hazel was working at a bar in the Algarve in Portugal when she was attacked. She was only 20 years old at the time.

Brueckner is currently serving a 7-year sentence in prison after he was found guilty of raping an elderly woman in Praia da Luz, Portugal. He is the main suspect in the Madeleine McCann case.

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