A court in Switzerland has ruled that the co-owner of a bar in the posh ski destination of Crans-Montana, where a fire claimed the lives of 40 individuals on New Year’s Day, must remain in custody. Jacques Moretti will be detained for an initial period of three months as per the court’s decision, pending review based on flight risk mitigation measures like a security deposit.
Following a comprehensive hearing with Jacques and his wife Jessica, prosecutors from Valais canton had initially ordered his detention last Friday. The couple has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident and pledged full cooperation with the ongoing investigation.
Jessica Moretti’s legal representatives issued a statement applauding the court’s ruling, stating that once the specified conditions are met, her husband will be able to reclaim his freedom. They emphasized the couple’s unwavering commitment to participating in the legal proceedings together without evasion.
In a show of national mourning, Swiss authorities declared last Friday as a day of mourning, with church bells tolling across the country in remembrance of the victims. The fatal fire at the bar claimed the lives of predominantly teenagers, with over 100 individuals sustaining injuries, several of them severe.