Moretti Case: Victims May Wait 15 Years for Compensation as Owners Seek to Reopen Restaurants

Victims of the 2023 New Year’s Eve fire at the Constellation nightclub in Crans Montana, Switzerland, could face a 15-year wait for compensation, according to legal filings reviewed by Blick. Meanwhile, the nightclub’s owners, Jacques and Jessica Moretti, have initiated efforts to reopen their other restaurants, Senso and Le Vieux-Chalet, under new management, despite facing charges including manslaughter and negligent arson.

Legal Charges and Ongoing Investigation

Jacques and Jessica Moretti remain under investigation for their roles in the fire that killed 40 people, mostly young adults, on December 31, 2023. Swiss prosecutors have charged the couple with “omissione di doveri di sicurezza” (negligent failure to ensure safety), “incendio colposo” (negligent arson), and “omicidio colposo” (manslaughter), according to a statement from the Swiss Federal Criminal Court. The investigation is ongoing, with no formal trial date announced.

Business Moves Amid Legal Uncertainty

The Morettis have transferred the management of Senso and Le Vieux-Chalet to a third party, who will cover rent and operational costs, as reported by NZZ. The move, confirmed by their legal team—including lawyers Yaël Hayat, Nicola Meier, and Patrick Michod—aims to preserve the businesses while the couple faces criminal charges. “This is a strategic decision to safeguard assets,” one lawyer told 20 Minuten.

Compensation Delays and Victim Advocacy

Survivors and families of the deceased face prolonged legal battles to secure compensation. A 2024 report by the Swiss Federal Statistical Office noted that similar cases in Switzerland typically take 10–15 years to resolve, citing procedural complexity and the need for forensic evidence. Advocacy groups, including the Swiss Victims Support Association, have criticized the delays, calling for expedited proceedings.

Context and Precedents

The Constellation fire is one of the deadliest in Swiss history, surpassing the 2004 Lausanne nightclub fire that killed 11. Unlike that case, which resulted in convictions within three years, the Moretti case involves unprecedented legal challenges, including questions about liability for structural fire safety violations. A 2023 SRF analysis highlighted similar delays in corporate liability cases, noting that “complexity and resource constraints often prolong outcomes.”