Finance
Swiss bar owner released on bail after deadly New Year's fire
Published by Global Banking and Finance Review
Posted on January 23, 2026
2 min readLast updated: January 23, 2026
Quick Summary
A Swiss court has granted bail to a bar owner linked to a fatal New Year's fire, with charges of negligent homicide. The fire resulted in 40 deaths and over 100 injuries.
Swiss Bar Owner Released on Bail Following New Year's Fire Tragedy
Investigation and Legal Proceedings
GENEVA, Jan 23 (Reuters) - The owner of a Swiss bar that was engulfed in a deadly New Year's Day fire was released from detention on Friday on bail, court authorities said.
Details of the Fire Incident
Jacques Moretti and his wife Jessica are under investigation for negligent homicide and other crimes linked to the blaze that killed 40 people and injured more than 100. Many of the survivors are still hospitalised with severe burns.
Bail Conditions and Legal Obligations
"Jessica and Jacques Moretti will both continue to comply with all requests from the authorities," their lawyers said in a written statement after the release order.
Impact on Victims and Survivors
"Their thoughts remain constantly with the victims of this tragedy."
Jacques Moretti was detained on January 9. His bail arrangements include a 200,000 Swiss Franc ($253,485.42) payment and an order to report daily to a police station, the court said.
Prosecutors said they had interviewed the bar owners about safety issues and renovations of Le Constellation bar during two hearings that had each lasted more than 10 hours.
They had also ordered searches, secured evidence and seized assets, they added.
(Reporting by Emma Farge; editing by James Mackenzie and Andrew Heavens)
Key Takeaways
- •Swiss court grants bail to bar owner after fatal fire.
- •Jacques Moretti and his wife are under investigation.
- •Charges include negligent homicide.
- •The fire resulted in 40 deaths and over 100 injuries.
- •Bail was granted after funds were received.
Frequently Asked Questions about Swiss bar owner released on bail after deadly New Year's fire
1What is negligent homicide?
Negligent homicide is a legal term referring to the unintentional killing of another person due to reckless or negligent behavior, which demonstrates a disregard for human life.
2What is bail?
Bail is a monetary amount set by a court that allows a person to be released from custody while awaiting trial, ensuring their appearance in court. It can be paid in cash or through a bail bond.
3What is an investigation?
An investigation is a systematic inquiry or examination into a matter to uncover facts, gather evidence, and determine the truth about a situation, often conducted by law enforcement or regulatory bodies.
