Rome: Italy has recalled its ambassador to Switzerland in protest following the release of the Crans-Montana resort owner on bail. The owner, involved in a case linked to a tragic fire, was released by the compulsory measures court on a bail of 200,000 Swiss francs (over USD 256,000), raising concerns from the Italian government about potential risks to the ongoing investigation.
According to Kuwait News Agency, the Italian Prime Minister's office released a statement through the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation, expressing outrage over the decision to release the resort owner, Moretti. Prime Minister Meloni and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani instructed the Italian ambassador to Switzerland, Gian Lorenzo Coronado, to convey Italy's dissatisfaction directly to the Swiss public prosecutor Beatrice Pilloux. The Italian government has also summoned its ambassador to discuss possible further actions.
In response, Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis expressed empathy towards Italy's sentiments in a post on his X account, acknowledging the shared grief over the incident. Cassis assured that Switzerland is closely observing the judicial process in Valais and highlighted his discussion with his Italian counterpart, reinforcing their mutual support amidst this "shared tragedy."
Public prosecutor Beatrice Pilloux confirmed the contact from the Italian ambassador and clarified that the court's jurisdiction determined Moretti's release. She emphasized her stance against succumbing to external pressures and advised the Italian ambassador to engage with Swiss political authorities on the matter.
The fire at the Crans-Montana ski resort in the Swiss Alps during New Year's celebrations resulted in 40 fatalities and left 116 injured, predominantly in critical condition. Swiss authorities had detained the resort owner and his wife on charges of manslaughter by negligence before the court's decision to grant bail.