The Tribunal des mesures de contrainte du canton du Valais (TMC) has extended the substitution measures concerning Jacques and Jessica Moretti by three months, according to the Ministère public valaisan (MP). The couple, who are prévenus in the ongoing investigation into the Crans-Montana bar fire, face these extended restrictions until October 9. Initially decided for a three-month period on January 13, the measures were previously extended at the end of March before this latest 90-day prolongation.
Did You Know? Identity and residence documents belonging to Jacques and Jessica Moretti were handed over to the Ministère public back in January following the January 1 fire at the “Le Constellation” bar, alongside financial securities amounting to around 200,000 francs paid since then.
Substitution Measures and Daily Police Controls
Under the current rulings enforced by the TMC, the substitution measures strictly require the couple to maintain an absolute prohibition on leaving Swiss territory. In addition, Jacques and Jessica Moretti must present themselves daily at a police post. These legal instruments are deployed by the justice system specifically to mitigate risks of flight, collusion, or recidivism, all while carefully respecting the core principle of proportionality during the investigation.
Proposed Remote Video Verification Adjustments
Seeking relief from the daily physical trips, the couple’s lawyers submitted a request for a relaxation of the current rules, a development reported by the Italian press agency ANSA and confirmed directly by the Ministère public valaisan. Specifically, Jacques and Jessica Moretti asked to fulfill their daily police check via a videoconference call rather than traveling physically to validate their presence in the region. According to ANSA, the TMC judge appears disposed to modify the substitution measure in line with the request, provided that the feasibility and effectiveness of this remote monitoring method can be rigorously guaranteed beforehand.
Practical implementation would involve agents from the Sierre post of the Police cantonale contacting the couple daily at a time of their choosing via video call. To ensure validity, the individuals would need to answer these calls from their residence or another known location within the region, allowing officers to verify their actual presence effectively. The MP, who directs the ongoing inquiry, must now take an official position on whether to greenlight this digital modification.
Frequently Asked Questions
What specific restrictions apply to Jacques and Jessica Moretti?
The measures require the couple to remain within Swiss territory and obligate them to report daily to a police post.
How long have the substitution measures been extended?
The TMC extended the measures by another 90 days, setting the new expiration date for October 9.
What modification are the couple requesting through their lawyers?
The couple requested to replace their daily physical appearance at a police station with a daily videoconference call managed by the Sierre police post.
What specific technological or logistical challenges do you think authorities will weigh when deciding whether to approve daily videoconference check-ins for high-profile investigations?