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Italy Recalls Ambassador After Swiss Court Releases Bar Fire Suspect

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Italy has formally protested the release on bail of a Swiss bar owner under investigation over a deadly New Year’s Day fire and has recalled its ambassador to Switzerland, escalating diplomatic tensions between the two countries. Jacques Moretti, co-owner of the Le Constellation bar in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana, was freed on Friday after being detained earlier this month in connection with the blaze that killed dozens of people, including six Italians.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the decision as “an insult to the memory of the victims and their families,” while the government said it had conveyed its strong indignation to Swiss judicial authorities. Meloni and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani also ordered Italy’s ambassador to return to Rome for consultations, arguing that the court’s decision underestimated the seriousness of the alleged crimes, the risk of flight, and the possibility of evidence being compromised.

Swiss prosecutors confirmed contact with Italian officials but stressed that the release was ordered by an independent court. Moretti was freed under strict conditions, including a 200,000 Swiss franc bail and daily police reporting. Lawyers for victims’ families said they were shocked by the ruling, warning that it added to the pain of those affected by the tragedy, while the Morettis said they would continue to cooperate fully with investigators.

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Swiss Struggle to Identify Victims After Deadly New Year Bar Fire

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Swiss authorities have begun the difficult process of identifying victims of a devastating fire that tore through a packed bar during New Year’s Eve celebrations in the luxury ski resort of Crans-Montana. The blaze at the Le Constellation bar killed around 40 people, with Italy putting the death toll at 47, and left more than 100 injured. Officials said the severity of burns suffered by many victims means identification could take several days.

Families of missing young people have issued desperate appeals for information, while foreign embassies work to determine whether their nationals were among those affected. Officials in the canton of Valais said experts are relying on dental records and DNA samples to ensure accurate identification before informing families. Several countries, including Italy, France and Australia, have confirmed missing or injured nationals, with Italy reporting six citizens still unaccounted for.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation, though authorities believe it was an accident rather than a deliberate act. Survivor accounts and social media footage suggest decorations or sparking candles may have ignited the bar’s ceiling, allowing flames to spread rapidly. The tragedy has left the resort community in shock, with vigils held near the site and Switzerland ordering flags flown at half-mast nationwide as a mark of mourning.