Five months after the devastating New Year's Eve bar fire in the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana that killed 41 people, there is still no formal charge, lawyers for victims and relatives have said, criticizing the slow pace of the investigation.
Bar operators Jacques and Jessica Moretti appeared together for questioning for the first time in Sion, in the region of Valais, entering the building through a side entrance without comment.
The Morettis are being investigated on suspicion of negligent homicide, negligent bodily harm and negligent arson. The French couple are free on bail.
Lawyers have accused the prosecution of dragging out the proceedings. "Some parents don't want to wait any longer," said Sébastien Fanti, adding that complaints were now being filed in other countries, including France, in the hope that proceedings there would move more quickly.
Lawyers are calling on the Morettis to admit their mistakes. Fanti said the couple had often given differing accounts of the evening and of responsibilities in general during separate interviews.
Lawyer Didier Elsig said they had at times failed to answer questions, saying only the other one would know. In that respect, the joint summons had come late, but was to be welcomed, he said.
"The Morettis must stop evading their responsibility," Elsig said. "We want them to admit their mistake."
Among the key questions are why staff were never trained in fire safety, and why a door that should have served as an emergency exit was locked.
