Rome: The Italian government has criticized the release on bail of the owner of the bar in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana, where 40 people died in a fire at a New Year's party.
According to Ghana News Agency, the decision by a Swiss court to lift the detention order for Jacques Moretti has been described as 'an insult to the memory of the victims and an affront to their families,' by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. This statement was shared on X by Meloni on Saturday.
In response to the court's decision, Meloni and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani have taken diplomatic action by recalling the Italian ambassador to Switzerland to Rome. The government announced that this step was taken to 'determine the further steps to be taken.'
The tragic fire at Le Constellation bar claimed the lives of six Italian teenagers, and several others are currently receiving treatment for severe burns in Milan. The incident has deeply affected both nations, prompting reactions from their respective governments.
On Friday, the Swiss court decided to release Moretti from pre-trial detention with specific conditions. These include surrendering his identity and residence documents to the public prosecutor's office, a prohibition on leaving the country, a requirement to report to a police station daily, and the payment of bail.