Swiss President Guy Parmelin has responded to Italy's intense fury over the release of a bar manager connected to a devastating New Year's Eve fire in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana. The blaze, which erupted early on January 1 in a crowded bar filled with teenagers, resulted in 40 fatalities, including six Italian nationals, and left more than 100 individuals injured.
Italian Outrage and Diplomatic Actions
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has condemned the release of bar owner Jacques Moretti on bail, labelling it as "an affront to the memory of the victims of the New Year's Eve tragedy and an insult to their families". In a strong diplomatic move, Italy has formally protested the decision, recalling its ambassador to Switzerland and instructing the envoy to express "deep indignation" to Swiss authorities.
Judicial Independence and Bail Conditions
President Parmelin acknowledged that Rome's outrage is understandable given the scale of the tragedy, but he emphasised that magistrates in Switzerland act independently. Jacques Moretti, who was detained on January 9, was released on Friday under a bail arrangement requiring a payment of 200,000 Swiss francs and daily reporting to a police station.
Moretti and his wife Jessica, owners of Le Constellation bar, are under investigation for negligent homicide and other crimes related to the fire. Their lawyers have stated that both will continue to cooperate with prosecutors, expressing grief over the incident.
Calls for Joint Investigation and Evidence Concerns
In comments to Corriere della Sera, Prime Minister Meloni urged Switzerland to establish a joint investigative team to ensure transparency. The Italian government has raised concerns about the risk of flight and potential evidence compromise, with lawyers for the victims' families noting struggles to understand the court order and fears of evidence disappearing.
A statement from the Italian government highlighted that "the whole of Italy is clamouring for truth and justice", calling for measures that respect the suffering of affected families. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani also criticised the use of fireworks in the bar as "pretty irresponsible", adding to the public and media reverberations across Italy.
Ongoing Developments and International Response
Ambassador Gian Lorenzo Cornado has been ordered to return to Rome to discuss further actions, as Italy seeks respectful resolutions in the wake of the disaster. A Swiss Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesperson was not immediately available for comment, leaving the international community watching closely as this tragic case unfolds.
