The lawyers of the owners of a Swiss bar where a deadly fire broke out on New Year's Eve killing 40 people and injuring 116 have broken their silence to criticise lies about their clients. Jessica and Jacques Moretti were devastated, the lawyers told local media, but denied being aware of any dangers at their venue. There is a sort of public vindictiveness directed against them, one of the three lawyers, Yaël Hayat, said.
Initial findings from the investigation suggest the fire began as sparklers attached to champagne bottles ignited soundproof foaming that lined the ceiling of the basement of Le Constellation bar in the popular ski resort of Crans-Montana. Authorities have acknowledged that the bar had not undergone safety checks for five years.
Most of the victims of the fire were young - eight were under the age of 16 - and many are being treated in hospital for severe burns. Many stories about the couple, the venue they managed, as well as their past have circulated in the local media since the fire, increasing pressure on the authorities as they investigate the accident and prosecute the owners.
In an interview with Tribune de Geneve, the lawyers said the couple wanted to restore the truth. Hayat said reports her client Jessica had left the burning building with cash from the register were a lie, telling BFMTV: In no way did she leave the scene in a hurry; she stayed there to help and support the injured.
Patrick Michod, representing Jacques Moretti, said: When you run an establishment and a tragedy like this occurs, you feel responsible. Now, the major question in this case is the question of criminal responsibility, which is obviously not the same thing as the feelings one may have as the operator.
Asked about the foam in the ceiling, Michod said his client obtained the material from a major construction retailer which did not disclose that it was flammable. Hayat described Cyane Panine, a staff member who died in the blaze, as a close friend of the couple. Last week, a Swiss court imposed a travel ban on Jessica Moretti while Jacques Moretti remains in custody. The couple faces serious legal implications as the investigation continues.
Initial findings from the investigation suggest the fire began as sparklers attached to champagne bottles ignited soundproof foaming that lined the ceiling of the basement of Le Constellation bar in the popular ski resort of Crans-Montana. Authorities have acknowledged that the bar had not undergone safety checks for five years.
Most of the victims of the fire were young - eight were under the age of 16 - and many are being treated in hospital for severe burns. Many stories about the couple, the venue they managed, as well as their past have circulated in the local media since the fire, increasing pressure on the authorities as they investigate the accident and prosecute the owners.
In an interview with Tribune de Geneve, the lawyers said the couple wanted to restore the truth. Hayat said reports her client Jessica had left the burning building with cash from the register were a lie, telling BFMTV: In no way did she leave the scene in a hurry; she stayed there to help and support the injured.
Patrick Michod, representing Jacques Moretti, said: When you run an establishment and a tragedy like this occurs, you feel responsible. Now, the major question in this case is the question of criminal responsibility, which is obviously not the same thing as the feelings one may have as the operator.
Asked about the foam in the ceiling, Michod said his client obtained the material from a major construction retailer which did not disclose that it was flammable. Hayat described Cyane Panine, a staff member who died in the blaze, as a close friend of the couple. Last week, a Swiss court imposed a travel ban on Jessica Moretti while Jacques Moretti remains in custody. The couple faces serious legal implications as the investigation continues.
