Jacques Moretti, owner of the Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, was surprised last Tuesday by Italian journalists on the roof of another of his establishments, Le Vieux Chalet, in Lens, which was undergoing renovation work.
So far, the image might seem ordinary. Except that it was captured on the very day the man was supposed to be questioned by the authorities as part of the investigation into the New Year's tragedy.
However, this hearing did not take place. Jacques Moretti had been excused from it for medical reasons. His appearance before investigators has since been postponed to an unknown date.
The worst signal at the worst time
In such a sensitive case, this scene comes at the worst possible time. While the investigation into the New Year's tragedy continues to generate anticipation of answers, seeing Jacques Moretti engaged in renovation work on the very day of his missed hearing risks being perceived as a disastrous signal.
For those close to the case, as well as for the general public, the image can hardly go unnoticed. It fuels the feeling of a disconnect between the reason given to justify the absence and the reality shown on screen.
Beyond the procedure itself, Jacques Moretti's credibility is also weakened.
A postponed hearing, but the questions remain.
No new hearing date has been announced yet. The investigation therefore continues while awaiting this missed appointment, which has now been postponed indefinitely.
Meanwhile, one question arises: how can we explain that a man deemed too fragile to be heard by the justice system could, on the same day, appear on the roof of a construction site?
