Swiss trial opens over deadly Bondo landslide, nine years later

A trial has opened in Pontresina, Switzerland, nearly nine years after a catastrophic landslide in Bondo claimed the lives of eight people. Five individuals, including cantonal representatives, an external geologist, and local officials from the Bregaglia municipality, face charges of negligent homicide.

The proceedings at the Maloja regional court will scrutinize whether the devastating landslide, which struck on the morning of August 23, 2017, could have been foreseen. The prosecution is seeking an appropriate sentence for the accused should they be found guilty.

During the initial court session, four of the five accused opted to remain silent and did not answer the tribunal's questions. Anna Giacometti, a national councilor and former mayor of Bregaglia, was among those questioned. She stated that she relied on the opinions of experts at the time and was not involved in the risk assessment. Giacometti explained that while closing hiking trails was technically possible within hours, it was not considered because no expert recommendations suggested such a measure.

One representative from the Grisons cantonal environmental office, a co-author of a 2018 report, referred back to his previous statements made to the cantonal police. The trial continues as it seeks to establish accountability for the tragedy that struck the small Swiss village.

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She always relied on these recommendations.