Switzerland's deadly New Year's Eve fire at a popular ski resort bar has sparked widespread criticism of the bar owners, who are now facing multiple charges. Lawyers for the couple behind Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana have come out swinging, condemning what they call "vindictiveness" against their clients.
"We're devastated," said one of the lawyers, Yaël Hayat. However, the lawyers deny that the owners were aware of any dangers at their venue and claim that reports about them fleeing with cash from the register are lies.
The fire killed 40 people and injured 116 others, many of whom suffered severe burns. The bar had not undergone safety checks for five years. Most victims were young, with eight under the age of 16.
As part of its investigation into the accident, authorities have been scrutinizing the couple's past and their management of the venue. This has led to a media frenzy, with many stories circulating about them in local outlets.
However, lawyers representing Jessica Moretti and Jacques Moretti claim that they want to "restore the truth" by sharing their side of the story. They argue that reports about Jessica leaving the burning building with cash from the register are entirely false. In fact, according to Hayat, her client remained at the scene to help those injured.
The couple faces charges including manslaughter by negligence, bodily harm by negligence, and arson by negligence. A travel ban has already been imposed on Jessica Moretti, who must surrender her passport and report to police daily. Jacques Moretti is being held in custody for 90 days.
Prosecutors have also asked for a €400,000 bail ($500,000; £374,000) as a condition of release for the couple - twice that amount for each of them. Lawyers representing Jacques Moretti claim he has requested his release and filed a request to do so.
"We're devastated," said one of the lawyers, Yaël Hayat. However, the lawyers deny that the owners were aware of any dangers at their venue and claim that reports about them fleeing with cash from the register are lies.
The fire killed 40 people and injured 116 others, many of whom suffered severe burns. The bar had not undergone safety checks for five years. Most victims were young, with eight under the age of 16.
As part of its investigation into the accident, authorities have been scrutinizing the couple's past and their management of the venue. This has led to a media frenzy, with many stories circulating about them in local outlets.
However, lawyers representing Jessica Moretti and Jacques Moretti claim that they want to "restore the truth" by sharing their side of the story. They argue that reports about Jessica leaving the burning building with cash from the register are entirely false. In fact, according to Hayat, her client remained at the scene to help those injured.
The couple faces charges including manslaughter by negligence, bodily harm by negligence, and arson by negligence. A travel ban has already been imposed on Jessica Moretti, who must surrender her passport and report to police daily. Jacques Moretti is being held in custody for 90 days.
Prosecutors have also asked for a €400,000 bail ($500,000; £374,000) as a condition of release for the couple - twice that amount for each of them. Lawyers representing Jacques Moretti claim he has requested his release and filed a request to do so.
. I agree that the owners should be held accountable, but I also think it's harsh to scrutinize their past decisions without giving them a fair chance to explain themselves. The fact that they didn't undergo safety checks for five years is unacceptable, but were they really unaware of potential dangers? It seems like we're jumping to conclusions here.
. And what's with the travel ban on her? I think she should be allowed to cooperate with authorities while still being free.
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I feel so bad for those 40 families who lost loved ones in the fire 
... like, what's the point of trying to defend themselves now? The damage is done and it's way too late for that 
. Their 'vindictiveness' comment sounds super suspicious to me 
... if they're really innocent, why are they even trying to spin this narrative? 
... 40 people, including some kids, lost their lives because of gross negligence... it's just insane. And the fact that the owners are trying to shift blame and claim they're not guilty is so infuriating 
. I mean, come on, you're in charge of a business where safety is supposed to be top priority and you don't even bother doing checks for five whole years? It's like, how do you expect anyone to trust you?
and now they wanna share their side of the story and make it all about how they were heroes 
its not like they're gonna get a pass just 'cause their lawyers say so 
. I don't think the media frenzy is helping at all, it's like everyone's already made up their minds about these two people. But maybe sharing their side of the story will help clarify things... or maybe not 
. One thing's for sure, justice needs to be served and the couple needs to take accountability for what happened 
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. I mean, if the reports about Jessica leaving with cash are true (which they probably are), that's some pretty serious negligence right there 
. What do you guys think?
It's not like they're hiding anything. The lawyers are saying her client stayed at the scene to help others... okay, good, but still, shouldn't they have been more responsible with their business?
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. I mean, come on, not doing safety checks for five years? That's just reckless 
. I hope they get some justice, but at the same time, I don't think it's right to pile on the couple just because they're public figures. Can't we all just focus on helping them and their families during this difficult time? 
. And to think they're trying to spin this as "vindictiveness" against them? Give me a break 
. They need to take responsibility for their actions and stop making excuses.
, but it's not enough. They need to face justice for their reckless actions and be held accountable for the lives they've ruined 
and yeah, travel ban for one of them, not sure how you can justify that unless she's trying to make a break for it...which again, is unlikely.
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