Nicolas Féraud, the mayor of Crans-Montana, remains in his post. He is among those under investigation for the New Year's Eve fire at Le Constellation, which killed 41 young people and injured 115.
At today's meeting, the City Council acknowledged the investigation against the mayor, but continues to work calmly, as this is an eventuality for which the executive branch had prepared. In a statement, the administration of the ski resort, a destination for international jet-setters, explained that Féraud, summoned to appear by the Sion Prosecutor's Office on April 13, retains all his powers to manage current affairs but will refrain from addressing "all aspects related to managing the aftermath of the January 1 tragedy" with immediate effect and while he is under investigation. This is because the "city council itself is working to establish the facts and responsibilities in collaboration with the Public Prosecutor's Office."
Jessica and Jacques Moretti, the owners of the nightclub, and the seven other people, including Féraud, are charged with arson, homicide, and manslaughter. This morning, before the meeting began, the mayor himself informed the councilors "of his inclusion in the register of suspects," and then abstained from the rest of the meeting. Furthermore, it was he who publicly declared the lack of controls immediately after the massacre. "I expected to be heard in this investigation," he stated. "Such a tragedy inevitably raises numerous questions. It is only natural that the authorities provide answers, since the victims first, and society second, expect them . In this context, I will be able to cooperate fully" with the judiciary "so that the facts can be ascertained." In his place, Sébastien Rey, considered by magistrates to be the main perpetrators of the fire, has been appointed to handle the case regarding the massacre at the Moretti premises. Rey is considered to have "solid" managerial experience gained as a staff officer and as a company manager.
" While my heart is wounded by this tragedy, my head remains clear," Rey declared. "So far, we have chosen not to enter into the media debate so we can calmly answer the prosecutor's questions. The mayor's hearing confirms our willingness to collaborate in determining the facts and responsibilities in this matter."
The Morettis were immediately held accountable for failing to comply with safety regulations, and have now been extended to those responsible for monitoring Le Constellation and the other premises owned by the couple, which are also being shrouded in suspicion of alleged money laundering. Meanwhile, two more of the five young Italians still hospitalized at the Niguarda Hospital in Milan with very serious burns have survived. As Lombardy's welfare councilor, Guido Bertolaso, announced, "they will likely go home within the next week," and then return to the hospital like all the others already discharged for treatment.
(Unioneonline)