Archive · 25 Jan 2026
Italy Outraged Over Bar Owner's Release
A big fire in a bar in Switzerland on New Year's Day killed 40 people and hurt over 100.
The bar owner, Jacques Moretti, was released on bail.
Italy is very upset because six of the people who died were Italian.
The Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, wants Switzerland to work together to investigate.
The Swiss President, Guy Parmelin, understands Italy's anger but says the courts make their own decisions.
Italy even called back its ambassador from Switzerland to show how upset they are.
Parmelin says this is a normal diplomatic move and the ambassador will return after talks.
A fire in a Swiss bar on January 1 killed 40 people, including six Italians, and injured over 100.
Bar owner Jacques Moretti was released on bail, sparking outrage in Italy.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called for a joint investigative team with Switzerland.
Italy recalled its ambassador to Switzerland to express indignation over the release.
Swiss President Guy Parmelin acknowledged Italy's anger but emphasized the independence of the judicial system.
- Who
- Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Swiss President Guy Parmelin, Bar owner Jacques Moretti
- What
- Release of bar owner Jacques Moretti on bail after a deadly fire in Crans-Montana
- When
- January 1 (incident), January 25 (reactions)
- Where
- Crans-Montana, Switzerland; Rome, Italy
- Why
- The fire killed 40 people, including six Italians, and injured over 100
- Date of Incident
- January 1
- Location
- Crans-Montana, Switzerland
- Fatalities
- 40
- Italian Victims
- 6
- Injured
- More than 100
- Bar Owner Released
- Jacques Moretti
- Italian Ambassador Action
- Recalled to Rome
- Swiss President
- Guy Parmelin