Co-owner of Swiss bar where 40 died in New Year fire released on bail of 200,000 Swiss francs, facing manslaughter and arson charges.
CRANS-MONTANA: The co-owner of a Swiss bar where a fire killed 40 people on New Year’s Day has been released from custody after bail was paid.
Jacques Moretti, 49, was freed on Friday following a court hearing in Wallis canton.
He had been detained since January 9 and faces charges including manslaughter by negligence and arson by negligence.
The court ordered his release on bail of 200,000 Swiss francs (approximately $250,000), which was paid by a close friend.
Standard measures to counter flight risk were imposed, including a ban on leaving Switzerland and daily police check-ins.
Moretti and his wife Jessica, 39, co-own Le Constellation bar in the ski resort of Crans-Montana.
A fire broke out in the basement of the bar during New Year celebrations, killing 40 people—mostly teenagers—and injuring 116 others.
Prosecutors believe the blaze started when revellers raised champagne bottles with sparklers close to soundproofing foam on the ceiling.
Jessica Moretti remains at liberty under certain restrictions, though both are under criminal investigation.
The court stressed that Moretti’s prior detention “was not intended as a punishment”.
In Switzerland, the presumption of innocence applies until a final conviction is pronounced.
