Italy angered at decision to release fire bar owner

Monday, 26 January 2026 06:30

Giorgia Meloni, Italian Prime Minister (c) Italian Govt

Italy has expressed its anger at the decision to release the owner of the Constellation bar in Crans-Montana.

On Saturday a Valais court agreed to release Jacques Moretti ahead of a trial following a bail payment of CHF 200,000.

He’ll also have to surrender his passport and report to the police every 24 hours.

The Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni says she’s deeply indignant at the decision.

Many victims of the New Year’s fire were Italian.

Italy has recalled its ambassador as a protest.

Switzerland is pointing out that it was a decision by the courts and has strict separation of powers.

The president Guy Parmelin told the press that he believes Italy is seeing the Swiss actions through the lens of the Italian legal system.

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