The president of Switzerland “understands the indignation” of Italy. What does he say about the decision of the magistrates to release the owner of the bar in Crans-Motana
Guy Parmelin. Credit: AA/ABACA / Abaca Press / Profimedia
Swiss President Guy Parmelin said magistrates had acted independently when they released the Crans-Motana bar owner on bail, but that Italy's outrage over the event was understandable, reports Reuters.
A New Year's Eve fire in a bar in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Motana has killed 40 people, including six Italian citizens. More than 100 other people were injured.
On Saturday, the Italian government criticized the decision by Swiss magistrates to release Jacques Moretti, who owns the bar with his wife, and described it as “a serious affront and a new wound inflicted on the families of the victims of the tragedy”. In addition, Rome announced that it had recalled its ambassador from Switzerland for consultations.
Italy recalls its ambassador from Switzerland after the Crans-Montana bar patron was released. “A serious affront”
“It's a normal diplomatic measure”
President Guy Parmelin told the Italian publication Corriere della Sera on Sunday that Switzerland had not yet been officially informed of the decision to recall the Italian ambassador.
“It is a usual diplomatic measure (…), after consultations the ambassador will return to Switzerland,” said Parmelin. “It is not for politicians to interfere in the judicial system. We can certainly understand the outrage,” the Swiss leader added.
Speaking to the same daily on Sunday, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni urged Switzerland to heed Rome's call for a joint investigation team to be established.
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.
