Tribunal of Medidas Detentivas of Sion confirmed the precautionary arrest of Jacques Moretti, owner of the bar Le Constellation, in Crans-Montana. The decision took place during the convalidation hearing held on January 12, 2026. The judges maintained custody for three months due to the risk of flight identified by Procuradoria of Cantão of Valais. However, the court signaled openness to revoking the measure if alternatives were applied, such as the payment of a deposit.
Attorney General Béatrice Pilloud exclusively invoked the danger of escape as the basis for maintaining the prison. Moretti’s lawyers considered the decision favorable and indicated that freedom could occur in a few days. The accused’s wife, Jessica Maric, remains under house arrest with an electronic ankle bracelet.
Details of the court decision
The magistrates emphasized that precautionary detention only serves to ensure the progress of the investigations. Eles reinforced that the accused remains presumed innocent until the eventual conviction becomes final. Prison represents an exceptional and last resort measure.
The court declared readiness to substitute custody with several agreed conditions. Entre the options include paying a deposit, delivering a passport and using electronic monitoring. Setting the bail amount requires detailed analysis and, therefore, deprivation of liberty prevails at the current time.
Fire investigation progresses
Swiss authorities continue interrogations at Sion. The dossier already has around 400 pages, including testimonies from witnesses present at the scene on the night of the fire. Testemunhas reported the absence of adequate emergency exits and failures in fire prevention equipment.
Procuradoria of Roma also works on the case, as six fatal victims were Italian. Italian prosecutors are investigating for multiple manslaughter, fire, very serious injuries and negligent disaster. A request was sent to the Swiss authorities to obtain documents and a list of those being investigated.
Site conditions and testimonials
Testimony indicated that the bar had not been inspected in five years. Fontes mentioned that pyrotechnic canes were often used to create effects during drink service. A video recorded before the incident shows an employee warning about risks with flammable materials.
The seriously injured continue to receive treatment in hospitals, including units in Itália. Familiares of victims expressed disagreement with the lack of investigations against the municipality of Crans-Montana to date. The Swiss prosecutor’s office expanded investigations into possible control omissions by local authorities.
Alternative measures under analysis
Lawyer Patrick Michod highlighted the coherence of the court decision. Ele stated that the client does not intend to avoid justice. Jessica Maric’s legal representatives also positively evaluated the court’s position, as it allows the possibility of regaining her husband’s freedom.
Replacement measures can be applied cumulatively. Especialistas in Swiss criminal procedural law observe that determining the amount of the bail requires detailed asset verification. Enquanto this, custody remains in force to ensure the presence of the person being investigated.
The fire occurred in the early hours of January 1, 2026, during an Ano Novo party in the basement of the establishment. The tragedy resulted in 40 deaths and more than 100 injuries, many in serious condition.
