Italy Recalls Ambassador to Switzerland Following Controversial Release of Crans-Montana Fire Suspect

2026-01-25 global

Rome, Sunday, 25 January 2026.
Rome recalls its envoy after a Swiss court released the Crans-Montana fire suspect on $256,000 bail, sparking a diplomatic rift Italy deems an affront to the 40 victims.

Diplomatic Escalation Over Judicial Ruling

On Saturday, January 24, the Italian government formally recalled its ambassador to Switzerland, Gian Lorenzo Cornado, to Rome for urgent consultations [1][2]. This diplomatic maneuver serves as a direct protest against the decision by Swiss judicial authorities to release Jacques Moretti, the co-owner of the bar where a New Year’s Day fire claimed 40 lives, on bail [1][2]. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani instructed the envoy to express the nation’s “indignation” regarding the release prior to his departure, marking a severe escalation in relations between the neighboring economic partners [3][4]. Moretti, who had been detained since January 9, was released on Friday, January 23, after posting bail set at 200,000 Swiss francs (approximately $256,377) [1][3]. Reports indicate that the bail was secured by an unnamed wealthy entrepreneur from Geneva [4]. While the release conditions require Moretti to report daily to a police station, the move has been met with incredulity in Rome, particularly given the magnitude of the tragedy which killed six Italian nationals and injured 116 people [1][4].

Judicial Independence Versus Political Pressure

Italian officials have characterized the court’s ruling as “an affront to the memory of the victims” and an insult to their grieving families [1][4]. Foreign Minister Tajani argued that the release is “unacceptable” because Moretti had allegedly attempted to tamper with evidence and flee prior to his initial arrest, raising fears he might do so again [3][5]. Tajani further criticized the local investigation, suggesting it is “full of holes,” and has proposed transferring the inquiry to a magistrate in a different Swiss canton to ensure impartiality [3][5]. Conversely, Swiss authorities have firmly defended the separation of powers. Béatrice Pilloud, the chief prosecutor of the Valais canton, clarified that the decision to release Moretti came from the Tribunal of Coercive Measures, not her office, and she refused a meeting with the Italian ambassador to avoid political pressure [1][3][5]. Swiss President Guy Parmelin supported this stance, urging politicians “not to interfere with justice,” while Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis maintained contact with Tajani to reaffirm mutual support despite the friction [1][3].

A Tragedy Fueled by Negligence

The diplomatic row is rooted in the catastrophic events of January 1, 2026, at the Le Constellation venue in Crans-Montana, where a fire resulted in 40 deaths [1]. Investigators are probing allegations of severe negligence against Moretti and his wife, Jessica Maric, including charges of manslaughter and arson [3]. Evidence reportedly includes video footage showing sound-absorbing foam catching fire from pyrotechnic candles, while staff allegedly continued serving champagne for 30 to 35 seconds before raising the alarm [4][5]. Further scrutiny has fallen on the venue’s safety infrastructure. Italian Foreign Minister Tajani noted that the establishment allegedly lacked a proper emergency exit, with the only available alternative being a narrow, locked passage obstructed by furniture [6]. These details have fueled the outrage of victims’ families, such as Andrea Costanzo, whose 16-year-old daughter died in the blaze; he described the suspect’s release as “another slap on a wound that will never heal” [1].

Future Implications for Cross-Border Justice

As Ambassador Cornado returns to Rome to determine future diplomatic actions, the legal proceedings in Switzerland face intense international scrutiny [1][7]. While Swiss officials strive to maintain standard diplomatic protocols, viewing the recall as a normal practice, the Italian government demands “truth and justice,” signaling that this judicial dispute could have lasting impacts on cross-border relations [1][7]. The Italian Foreign Ministry is currently evaluating all possible initiatives, including legal actions, to ensure the accountability of those responsible for the disaster [6].

Sources

Diplomacy Italy