Swiss court frees bar owner linked to fatal fire
GENEVA, Jan 23 (Reuters) – The owner of a bar that caught fire on New Year’s Day could be freed after authorities received money to release him on bail, a Swiss court said on Friday.
Jacques Moretti and his wife, Jessica, are under investigation for suspected crimes, including negligent homicide, and the former was taken into custody on January 9 due to a perceived flight risk. Both expressed sadness over the tragedy, which killed 40 people and injured more than 100, and vowed to cooperate with prosecutors.
In its statement, the court stated that the court ordered measures against the risk of Jacques Moretti’s escape, including the obligation to pay bail of 200,000 Swiss francs (US$253,485.42) and to report to the police station every day.
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In a statement made early Friday, it was stated that Swiss prosecutors have so far conducted two group hearings with the bar owners, who are the only suspects in the case. They said the hearings lasted more than 10 hours each and covered security issues and renovations to the ‘Le Constellation’ bar.
They said they issued a search warrant, collected evidence and seized assets.
(Reporting by Emma Farge; editing by James Mackenzie)
