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Italy Recalls Ambassador After Swiss Court Frees Crans-Montana Bar Co-Owner on Bail

The release comes during a criminal probe into sparklers near flammable ceiling foam at the New Year’s blaze.

People layed flowers at the sealed off Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, Swiss Alps, Switzerland, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, where a devastating fire left dead and injured during the New Year's celebrations. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)
Swiss President Guy Parmelin speaks during a press conference, after several people died and others were injured due to a fire and explosion during a New Year’s Eve party at the "Le Constellation" bar in Crans-Montana, in Sion, Switzerland, January 1, 2026. REUTERS/Pierre Albouy/ File Photo
Switzerland has been stunned by the devastating blaze
A helicopter leaving the hospital in Sion, near Crans-Montana

Overview

  • A Valais court lifted Jacques Moretti’s pretrial detention and set bail at 200,000 Swiss francs with travel limits, document surrender, and daily police check-ins, with the bail paid by a friend.
  • Rome recalled its ambassador and lodged a formal protest, calling the decision a grave offense to victims’ families after the fire that killed 40 and injured more than 100.
  • Swiss President Guy Parmelin said Italy’s anger is understandable but stressed that magistrates act independently, as Italy urges creation of a joint investigative team.
  • Prosecutors are examining whether indoor sparklers on champagne bottles ignited flammable acoustic foam on a low ceiling and whether materials, equipment, and exits met safety rules.
  • Authorities say required fire-safety inspections had not been carried out since 2019, and dozens of survivors remain in specialist burn units in Switzerland and neighboring countries.