Bern, Switzerland. The owner of a Swiss bar that was engulfed in a deadly New Year’s Day fire was released from detention on Friday on bail, court authorities said. Jacques Moretti and his wife Jessica are under investigation for negligent homicide and other crimes linked to the blaze.
Investigation and victims
The fire killed 40 people and injured more than 100, with many survivors still hospitalised with severe burns. Lawyers for Jessica and Jacques Moretti said in a written statement after the release order that both would continue to comply with all requests from the authorities and that their thoughts remained with the victims.
Detention and bail conditions
Jacques Moretti was detained on January 9. The court said his bail arrangements include a 200,000 Swiss Franc ($253,485.42) payment and an order to report daily to a police station.
Prosecutors’ actions
Prosecutors said they interviewed the bar owners about safety issues and renovations of the Le Constellation bar during two hearings that each lasted more than 10 hours. They added they had ordered searches, secured evidence and seized assets.
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