http://steelmagnolia-mccannarchives.blogspot.com/2012/02/procedure-known-as-memory-for-future-is.html
Around 10 British people, including the McCanns and their friends, have been re-interviewed to clarify their statements in recent days.
This week the group are set to appear in court behind closed doors to record their evidence for any future trial before they go back to the UK.
The procedure, known as "memory for the future", is similar to a mock trial in which the friends would give evidence as witnesses now against a future defendant.
Local lawyer Artur Rego said the procedure was used only in exceptional cases such as this where a large group of witnesses are foreign.
"It is recorded by video and kept sealed then released during the hearing," he said.
"If somebody is ever charged then this statement can then be unsealed and disclosed for the judge who is going to hear the case.
"It has the same value as witness statements delivered live in the trial."
But the McCanns themselves are not expected to be asked to take part.
Around 10 British people, including the McCanns and their friends, have been re-interviewed to clarify their statements in recent days.
This week the group are set to appear in court behind closed doors to record their evidence for any future trial before they go back to the UK.
The procedure, known as "memory for the future", is similar to a mock trial in which the friends would give evidence as witnesses now against a future defendant.
Local lawyer Artur Rego said the procedure was used only in exceptional cases such as this where a large group of witnesses are foreign.
"It is recorded by video and kept sealed then released during the hearing," he said.
"If somebody is ever charged then this statement can then be unsealed and disclosed for the judge who is going to hear the case.
"It has the same value as witness statements delivered live in the trial."
But the McCanns themselves are not expected to be asked to take part.
