Man denies setting Lignon fires

Palais de Justice, Geneva

A man is in court in Geneva, accused of starting a series of fires at the Lignon housing estate.

Eight times between end the end of 2021 and October 2022, fires broke out in the cellars and on some of the floors of the building. 

The 64-year-old denies the charges, asking judges why would he set fire to a building he’s lived in for years. 

He’s also accused of setting fires on a plot of land he owns in Avully.

The court heard he’s been diagnosed with a bi-polar disorder.

He’s not being charged with the fire in June last year in the same building which claimed two lives.

Prosecutors are demanding 5 years in jail – but the defence is asking for outpatient psychiatric treatment.

The trial continues. 

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