January 10, 2014 - 10:02 AM
MONTREAL - Two Canadian women arrested in connection with a Mexico City firebombing have been ordered to remain in a Mexican jail for up to 40 more days.
A spokesman for Mexico's federal attorney-general says a judge has ruled that Fallon Rouiller Poisson and Amelie Pelletier will stay behind bars while local authorities continue their criminal investigation into the attack.
Poisson and Pelletier were apprehended in the capital earlier this week after Molotov cocktails damaged a building that houses a federal government office and a nearby car dealership.
The attorney-general's office says that for now the case is being considered vandalism — but adds that the ongoing investigation could lead to more serious criminal charges.
Poisson, a 20-year-old from Montreal, and Pelletier have yet to be charged with any crimes.
The office says the women could be released before the 40-day period expires if they produce evidence that proves their innocence.
A Mexican national named Carlos Lopez Marin was arrested along with the Canadians in connection with the firebombing, which struck the facade of a building that houses the offices of the Department of Communications and Transportation.
Marin has also been ordered to remain in detention for up to 40 days.
A Mexican prosecutor has said police allege one of the Canadians was seen discarding a knapsack that contained several homemade explosive devices.
News from © The Canadian Press, 2014