Supporters of Fallon Rouiller Poisson demonstrate in front of the Mexican consulate Thursday, January 9, 2014 in Montreal. Mexican authorities detained Canadians Amelie Pelletier and Fallon Rouiller Poisson earlier this week following a Molotov cocktail attack Monday against a government office in the capital. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Andy Blatchford
January 09, 2014 - 8:50 AM
MONTREAL - Dozens of people held a vigil in Montreal today in support of two Canadian women arrested earlier this week in connection with a firebombing at a Mexico City government office.
The group gathered outside the front entrance of a downtown building that houses the Mexican Consulate.
Mexican authorities say they arrested Canadians Amelie Pelletier and Fallon Rouiller Poisson after Molotov cocktails were lobbed at a federal office in the Mexican capital.
A Mexico City prosecutor has told local media that police allege one of the Canadians was seen discarding a backpack that contained a number of homemade explosive devices.
Organizers of the Montreal vigil declined to address media, but a statement was read aloud to the group by well-known activist Jaggi Singh.
The statement says the Mexican justice system is repressive and authoritarian and considers detainees guilty until proven innocent.
It also says the group has concerns about the detention conditions of their comrades and has been unable to make direct contact with them.
Poisson's mother told The Canadian Press on Wednesday she's concerned about the well-being of her 20-year-old daughter, who grew up in the Montreal area.
Mexican officials have said no injuries were reported in the firebomb attack on a building that contains offices of the Department of Communications and Transportation.
They have said several vehicles were damaged outside a nearby car dealership. The motive was not immediately clear.
A Mexico City prosecutor told local media a Mexican national was arrested along with the two Canadian women, who were later transferred into the custody of the Central Investigation Agency.
Vigil organizers also expressed support for the Mexican man detained in connection with the attack.
News from © The Canadian Press, 2014