Swiss bar owner detained on domestic-violence charges amid fire investigation
Jacques Moretti, co-owner of the Le Constellation bar where a New Year blaze killed 41 people, was placed in pre-trial detention after alleged violence against his wife Jessica Moretti.
Jacques and Jessica Moretti, owners of Le Constellation in the Crans-Montana resort, have faced intense public attention since a New Year’s fire claimed 41 lives and injured 115 others. They are part of a group of 16 people under investigation for negligence-related manslaughter and arson linked to the blaze. In August, Jacques Moretti was arrested and placed in pre-trial detention after an alleged assault on Jessica Moretti at their Wallis-canton residence, an incident serious enough to hospitalise her.
a broadcaster at one outlet reported the domestic-abuse allegation, but neither the prosecutor’s office nor the couple’s lawyers responded to immediate comment requests. The Morettis’ legal team issued a statement emphasizing that the domestic-violence case is distinct from the fire investigation, while acknowledging the broader hardship the couple has endured since January 1.
Why it matters
The detention adds a new legal dimension to a high-profile disaster that has already shocked Switzerland.
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