Crans-Montana fire case: Couple to face prosecutors in confrontation hearing June 5

A pivotal hearing in the Crans-Montana fire case is set for June 5, when Jacques and Jessica Moretti, two of the 14 defendants, will face prosecutors in a "confrontation" setting.

This marks the first time since the January 1 fire at Le Constellation bar, which claimed 41 lives and injured 115, that the couple will be interrogated directly against each other. Valais cantonal prosecutor Beatrice Pilloud confirmed the hearing, which will take place at the Energypolis campus in Sion.

Prosecutors may employ various methods for the confrontation, including posing the same questions to each defendant, having one respond to a theme before the other, or engaging in a ping-pong style exchange based on their testimonies. Lawyers for all parties will be present and may question the French couple.

Separately, an former municipal councilor responsible for construction between 2013 and 2016 will also be questioned two days prior. The 14th defendant, a current municipal employee involved in construction, has yet to have their initial hearing scheduled. All defendants face charges of negligent homicide, negligent arson, and negligent serious bodily harm.

“

This type of hearing can take place in three forms: the same question is asked to each accused and each responds; a first defendant is questioned on an entire theme then the second accused responds; more ping-pong style responses can also be favored, depending on the explanations given by the accused.