Italy has appealed a Swiss decision barring it from standing as a civil plaintiff in the upcoming trial over the Crans-Montana New Year's Eve fire, escalating a dispute over the disaster that killed 41 people, including six Italian teenagers.
The Sion Prosecutor's Office rejected Italy's request on July 23, ruling that neither the Italian citizenship of several victims nor the costs Rome incurred providing assistance were sufficient to confer injured-party status. Geneva-based attorney Romain Jordan, representing the Italian government, was notified of the decision. Italy had originally filed the request in late April, seeking compensation for state expenses.
Italy filed its appeal on August 3 before the criminal chamber of the Valais cantonal court. The blaze at Le Constellation bar on the night of December 31, 2025, reportedly ignited by a sparkler candle attached to a champagne bottle, also left 14 Italians among the injured. Bar owners Jacques and Jessica Moretti have denied responsibility.