Italy recalls its ambassador from Switzerland after the Crans-Montana bar patron was released. “A serious affront”
Giorgia Meloni Photo: Marco Iacobucci/SOPA Images/Shut / Shutterstock Editorial / Profimedia
The Italian authorities have expressed their indignation at the decision of the Swiss authorities to release on bail the owner of the bar in Crans-Motana where on New Year's Eve there was a fire resulting in the death of dozens of people, including Italian citizens.
The government in Rome described the release as “a grave affront,” and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Foreign Affairs Minister Antonio Tajani summoned the Italian ambassador to Switzerland, Gian Lorenzo Cornado, for consultations and instructed him to convey the protest to the Italian authorities against the decision of the magistrates in the Swiss canton of Valais, according to Politico.
In the statement of the Italian government, the “extreme seriousness of the crime” of which the bar owner is accused, the “heavy responsibilities hanging over him, the risk of evading legal proceedings and the clear risk of tampering with evidence” are cited.
The fire in the bar located in the Crans-Motana ski resort caused the death of 40 people and injured 116 others, according to AFP. Six Italian citizens are also among the dead, The Guardian wrote.
Jacques Moretti, who owns the bar with his wife, was released on Friday after paying a bail of 200,000 Swiss francs (about 215,000 euros). Both he and Jessica Moretti are under criminal investigation for “negligent murder, negligent bodily harm and negligent arson,” according to AFP.
Crans-Montana bar owner, where 40 people died in fire, released on 200,000 Swiss francs bail
Italy demands 'truth and justice'
In a statement on Saturday, the Italian government said it wanted “truth and justice” for the victims.
Roma says the decision to release the bar owner on bail represents “a serious affront and a new wound inflicted on the families of the victims of the Crans-Montana tragedy and those who are still in hospital”.
“All of Italy cries for truth and justice and demands that, after this catastrophe, respectful measures be taken that fully take into account the suffering and expectations of the families,” the statement added.
