The president of Switzerland, after the release of the owner of the bar where 40 people died: “We can understand the anger”
Swiss President Guy Parmelin took a conciliatory tone in the face of criticism from the Italian government over the release from prison of the owner of the Crans-Montana bar where dozens died in a fire during a New Year's Eve party.
Jacques and Jessica Moretti, the owners of the bar where the tragedy took place/PHOTO: X
“We can of course understand the anger“, Parmelin told the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera in an article published on Sunday, January 25, according to Agerpres.
However, he drew attention to the differences between the judicial systems of the two countries.
Asked what his opinion is about the fact that bar owner Jacques Moretti was released on bail, Parmelin said that the separation of powers in the state and the non-intervention of politicians in the judicial process are very important.
“It is not for politicians to intervene in our judicial system”he said.
The Italian government strongly condemned Moretti's release on bail, considering the decision an affront to the families of the victims.
Rome declared itself “deeply outraged” after six Italian teenagers died in the fire. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni recalled the Italian ambassador to Switzerland and called for the urgent formation of a joint investigation team, with the involvement of Italian experts.
Jacques Moretti, co-owner of the bar La Constellation, together with his wife, was released on Friday, January 23, after spending two weeks in pre-trial detention, following a decision by the canton of Valais.
He was pre-arrested on January 9, but was later released on condition after paying a bail of 215,000 euros.
He is banned from leaving Switzerland, must surrender his identity documents and report to the police daily. Lawyers for the victims criticized the decision, blaming the way the authorities handled the case.
The investigation shows possible serious irregularities: a service door was allegedly locked from the inside and the bar did not undergo safety checks in 2019.
The fire that broke out on New Year's Eve in the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana resulted in 40 deaths and 116 injuries, of which 70 are still hospitalized. The tragedy was caused by fireworks candles being used inside the bar.
