Philenews

Italy Outraged by Release of Cran Montana Bar Owner

Published January 24, 2026, 13:08
Italy Outraged by Release of Cran Montana Bar Owner

Italy is strongly protesting the release of Jacques Moretti, the owner of the club in Cran Montana where the fatal fire occurred on New Year's Eve. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani described the decision as a “disgrace” and expressed their country’s outrage. The release was granted with the payment of 200,000 Swiss francs by a close friend and the imposition of restrictive conditions. The Italian ambassador to Switzerland expressed his country’s indignation to the Swiss judicial authorities, while the Italian government states that the decision wounds the families of the victims and undermines trust in international justice. The Meloni government has recalled the Italian ambassador to Rome to discuss further action. Foreign Minister Tajani particularly criticized the judges in Sion, describing the decision as “incomprehensible” and emphasizing that safety and justice must be a priority.