Jessica and Jacques Moretti faced a hostile confrontation from approximately ten individuals connected to victims of the January 1st fire in Crans-Montana, upon their arrival at the Energypolis campus in Sion on Thursday. The couple was subjected to verbal abuse. The Valais cantonal police announced they have reinforced security measures.
Jessica Moretti was questioned on Thursday until early evening as a defendant in the case concerning the bar “Le Constellation.” Summoned for 09h00, the French citizen arrived around 08h50 with her husband and lawyers, Mes Yaël Hayat and Nicola Meier. In addition to a gathering of journalists, photographers, and cameramen, the forty-year-old was also met by several relatives of victims.
A Torrent of Insults
The situation escalated as Jessica and Jacques Moretti entered the main door of the Energypolis campus in Sion, where they were heavily insulted. Both were repeatedly called “killers.” Witnesses reported hearing shouts such as, “You killed my son. You killed my brother. Where is my son? You are monsters. How did you manage to eat, to sleep (since the tragedy)?”
Jacques Moretti reacted to the aggression, stating, “if we have to pay, we will pay. There is no mafia, we are workers. We will take responsibility, we will assume it, we promise you, we are here for justice.”
Didier Elsig, a lawyer for the victims, indicated that some colleagues, as well as individuals and defendants, had been harassed on Thursday. “It is unacceptable that colleagues who approach here to do their job are harassed. We must calm down,” he stated to media, including Keystone-ATS, present at the scene.
Reinforced Security
Following these incidents, the Valais cantonal police immediately reacted, “adapting (reinforcing) its deployment” from the end of the day’s hearing, according to a statement to Keystone-ATS. Until Thursday morning, the arrival of the couple and their lawyers was overseen by two officers without incident.
According to a mother of a victim who attended Thursday’s hearing, “Jessica Moretti always blames others. It’s never her fault.”
“Our Clients Will Not Attend the Sessions”
The atmosphere differed from the previous day. On Wednesday, the Moretti couple had a 20-minute private conversation with the mother of two teenagers injured in the fire, who had come to observe the bar manager’s hearing.
“This presence (of relatives) may be legitimate, but it must not distract us from the legal issues, in order to shed light on this case,” reminded Me Olivier Elsig, one of the lawyers for the civil parties, Thursday morning. “If families need to talk, they are free to do so. For others, they are not in that state of mind. Sometimes, they consider it a bit like a sham.”
Me Alain Viscolo, another legal counsel, added, “If it can help parents in their long recovery process, I spot no objection. In any case, our clients will not attend the sessions.”
Leila Micheloud, twenty-four hours after her meeting with the Morettis, spoke on social media. “Yes, I met them, I listened to them, but I have not forgiven them and I will not forgive them for the moment,” she explained. “My priority is that my daughters recover, gain better and that our lives are rebuilt. What I said to the Morettis, I will retain for myself, my daughters and my husband.”
A flower laying is planned for Saturday at 10h00 in front of the “Le Constellation” bar in Crans-Montana, where a moment of silence and remembrance will be observed, according to the organizers, relatives of the victims.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened when the Morettis arrived at the Energypolis campus?
Jessica and Jacques Moretti were confronted and verbally abused by approximately ten individuals connected to victims of the fire.
What did Jacques Moretti say in response to the insults?
Jacques Moretti stated, “if we have to pay, we will pay. There is no mafia, we are workers. We will take responsibility, we will assume it, we promise you, we are here for justice.”
What is planned for Saturday at the site of the fire?
A flower laying and a moment of silence and remembrance are planned for Saturday at 10h00 in front of the “Le Constellation” bar.
As the legal process unfolds, what impact will continued public demonstrations have on the pursuit of justice for those affected by the tragedy?
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