MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

French women killed in Argentina described as brilliant students in Latam affairs

Police released two suspects and a third remains in custody for questioning

Argentine police detained for questioning a local horse renter in relation to the brutal murder of two French tourists – Moumni Hour and Cassandre Bouvier – found dead with gunshot wounds on Friday at a hiking trail in Quebrada de San Lorenzo, Salta province, 1600 Km northwest of Buenos Aires.

According to preliminary information the man was arrested around 2 am and is to be taken to Judge Martín Pérez soon.

Other two suspects were arrested over the weekend, but were released Monday morning. Over 80 policemen are searching for evidence to elucidate the crime as French authorities mount pressure.

Authorities are running forensic tests to determine the exact circumstances of the deaths. The French consul and relatives of the French tourists are to travel to Salta to follow the investigation.

According to reports from Paris the two women killed were “brilliant students” at the Higher Studies on Latin America Institute, IHEAL, from the Sorbonne-Nouvelle University.

“Houria Moumni and Cassandre Bouvier belonged to IHEAL from the Sorbonne-Nouvelle, Paris III University”, confirmed Marie-Christine Lemardeley, Dean of IHEAL.

“They were brilliant students who dedicated their talent and energy to study Latin America, where they have been brutally killed”, said Ms Lemardeley in an official release from the Institute.

“Professors, students and staff from IHEAL and the Sorbonne Nouvelle-Paris III university want to express their grief before such terrible drama and Express their deepest condolences to their families”, said Ms Lemardeley.

Next September a ceremony dedicated to their honour will be held at IHEAL announced the Institute’s Dean.