A court in Switzerland has ruled that the co-owner of a bar in the luxury ski resort of Crans-Montana, where a tragic fire claimed the lives of 40 individuals on New Year’s Day, must stay in custody. Jacques Moretti will be detained for a provisional three-month period, subject to review if preventive measures against flight risk are implemented, such as a security deposit.
Following an extensive hearing, Valais canton prosecutors initially ordered Moretti’s detention last Friday after engaging with him and his wife, Jessica. The couple, deeply saddened by the fire, have pledged full cooperation with the investigation.
In a statement, Jessica Moretti’s legal representatives welcomed the court’s decision, indicating that her husband will be released once specified conditions are satisfied. They emphasized the couple’s unwavering commitment to face the legal proceedings together without evasion.
Swiss officials declared a national day of mourning last Friday, with church bells tolling across the country in remembrance of the victims. Among the deceased, over half were teenagers, while 116 individuals sustained injuries, with many in critical condition.