Italy Reasserts Diplomacy as Swiss Bar Fire Suspect Is Released

Italy condemned the release on bail of Jacques Moretti, co-owner of Crans-Montana's Le Constellation bar, and recalled its ambassador to Switzerland to seek explanations. Moretti was freed on 200,000 CHF bail with conditions (daily police reporting, travel ban, surrender of identity documents) after prosecutors charged him with manslaughter by negligence, bodily harm by negligence, and arson by negligence in the New Year’s Eve fire that killed 40 people and injured about 116, including six Italians. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Foreign Minister Tajani demanded accountability, while Switzerland’s Ignazio Cassis expressed shared grief and said both countries would support each other in the tragedy.