2 days ago
Timing of bomb scare at Winnipeg law office 'unsettling' for lawyer injured in 2015 explosion there
A bomb scare this week outside a Winnipeg law office is "particularly unsettling" for lawyer Maria Mitousis, who was seriously injured when a package exploded in her hands at the same building a decade ago.
Winnipeg police were called to the River Avenue building Tuesday after a suspicious package was left outside the building — weeks after the 10 year anniversary of the incident — but later said the threat had "been proven false" after the package was determined to be empty.
"Because of the events of July 3, 2015, we took this matter very seriously," Mitousis said in a statement to CBC News. "Our primary concern is always the safety and security of our team, our clients, and our neighbours.
"We immediately contacted the authorities, who investigated and determined the item was not a threat," the statement said. "We are grateful for their prompt and professional response."
Mitousis lost her right hand and suffered serious burns after opening a package on July 3, 2015. A bomb disguised as an audio recorder detonated in her hands at the River Avenue law office.
Guido Amsel was convicted in 2018 for four counts of attempted murder for sending bombs through the mail to Mitousis, another Winnipeg lawyer and to his ex-wife twice.
He was sentenced that same year to life in prison with no chance of parole for 10 years.
However, Mitousis said in her statement to CBC News Amsel sought and was denied parole at a hearing held earlier this week.
According to a Canadian government fact sheet, offenders serving life sentences are eligible to apply for apply for temporary absences from prison or day parole three years before their full parole eligibility date.
CBC News has contacted the Parole Board of Canada for further information about the hearing and what kind of release Amsel was seeking.
"Given his history of refusing to accept responsibility for his actions, we remain vigilant and cautious about any unusual activity," Mitousis' statement said. "While we hope that the two incidents are unrelated, we are taking no chances."
