The Coercive Measures Tribunal in Sion has ordered the release from prison of Jacques Moretti, owner of the Constellation hotel in Crans-Montana, where 40 people died and 116 were injured on New Year's Eve .

The man—along with his wife, Jessica Maric—is being investigated for manslaughter, assault, and arson. Moretti, who posted bail of 200,000 francs, will still be subject to precautionary measures, including the requirement to sign in and surrender his identity documents .

The amount itself had sparked controversy in recent days. The Swiss press had predicted a bail of one million francs, but the Sion prosecutor's office believes the sum of 200,000 is adequate, because "the defendant currently has no income, and he and his wife own mortgaged properties and leased vehicles."

Moretti told the judges that, if released, he would not flee: "It never crossed my mind. I have family and friends here, I don't have a life elsewhere, my life is here. I never had any intention of leaving Switzerland, because I want the truth about this whole affair to come out ."

(Unioneonline)

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