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Switzerland
Crans-Montana Fire: Lombardy Seeks Entry into Swiss Criminal Investigation
Herz — Switzerland Desk · · 30s summary · 2 min read
The essentials
The Italian region of Lombardy is attempting to join the criminal investigation into the fire at Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana on January 1st. Represented by Ticino-based lawyer Paolo Bernasconi, Lombardy argues it has standing due to victims from the region and eleven patients treated at Milan's Niguardia hospital. The Republic of Italy filed a similar request with the Valais Public Prosecutor's Office in late April, which remains unresolved as of July 15, 2026. Several legal experts, however, believe Swiss law makes Lombardy's admission highly unlikely.
- Lombardy seeks to participate in the criminal investigation of the Crans-Montana fire
- It mandates lawyer Paolo Bernasconi and cites eleven patients treated in Milan
- The Republic of Italy had already filed a similar request in late April
- Several legal experts believe Swiss law makes this admission very unlikely
What We Know
According to Le Temps, the Italian region of Lombardy has hired Ticino lawyer Paolo Bernasconi to attempt to become a formal complainant—that is, gain the right to participate in the investigation and help determine criminal responsibility—in the proceeding arising from the fire at Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana on January 1st.
Lombardy seeks to understand what it calls a 'catastrophe' and obtain compensation for financial and non-financial damages suffered 'by the Lombard institution and community.'
To justify its approach, Lombardy invokes the presence of victims from the region and the treatment of eleven patients at Niguardia hospital in Milan.
Criminal Procedure in Switzerland
Swiss criminal procedure law limits the status of injured party—formal recognition as a direct victim in a proceeding—to only those whose rights were directly affected by an offense. As a result, siblings of fire victims have been denied this status.
The Republic of Italy submitted a similar request for formal complainant status to the Valais Public Prosecutor's Office in late April. As of July 15, 2026, this request had not yet been resolved. Italy is represented in this proceeding by lawyer Romain Jordan.
Timeline
- January 1, 2026Fire at Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana.
- Late April 2026The Republic of Italy submits a request for formal complainant status to the Valais Public Prosecutor's Office.
- July 15, 2026Italy's request remains unresolved. Lombardy hires Paolo Bernasconi to pursue a similar action.
What Remains Uncertain
Multiple legal experts consulted express serious doubt that Lombardy will be admitted as a formal complainant under Swiss law.
Paolo Bernasconi might instead attempt to secure for Lombardy the status of 'interested third party'—a position that would allow it to follow the investigation without being formally admitted as a complainant.
Why does Lombardy want to enter the Swiss criminal investigation?
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