Alleged letter bomber Guido Amsel appears via video in Winnipeg court

WINNIPEG – A Winnipeg man accused of sending letter bombs using Canada Post, one of which seriously injured lawyer Maria Mitousis, appeared briefly in court Thursday via video link.

Guido Amsel, 49, continues to be kept in custody and is due back in court July 16. He is charged with two counts of attempted murder and explosives-related offences but has not yet entered a plea.

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Amsel has not retained a lawyer so far and has not indicated whether he will seek bail.

He is accused of sending small voice recorders packed with an explosive compound to his ex-wife Iris Amsel’s workplace and to Mitousis, her lawyer. A third letter bomb was sent to a law firm that used to represent Amsel.

The first bomb exploded nearly a week ago, causing severe injuries to Mitousis, 38, who represented Iris Amsel in the couple’s lengthy divorce and a related civil case. Mitousis is recovering in hospital.

Amsel told court Thursday he needs more time to retail a lawer. Global News has learned an email was sent out to several law firms soliciting a lawyer for Amsel. High profile lawyer Jay Prober says he doesn’t know who would represent him.

“I wouldn’t be comfortable because, as i said, it was an attack on the justice system. I would certainly advocate his right to have a lawyer, but certainly not me,” said Prober.

Several legal sources tell Global News they won’t or can’t represent Amsel due to a conflict of interest.

“He’s better off finding someone in another province, if it’s Ontario, in Kenora for example, Thunder Bay or Saskatchewan,” Prober added.

READ MORE: Winnipeg bomb unit responds to suspicious item

The second bomb was found Saturday at an auto repair shop where Iris Amsel works. It was detonated by police.

The third bomb was found at another law office and was safely detonated by police.

Amsel is accused of attempting to murder both Mitousis and his ex-wife. He’s also charged with:

• aggravated assault on Mitousis;
• hiding explosives in small, grey voice recorders with the intent to harm Mitousis and Iris Amsel;
• two counts of making explosives;
• two counts of possessing a weapon (an explosive device); and
• committing mischief by damaging the Petersen King law offices, where Mitousis was injured, and James Automotive Refinishing on Washington Avenue, where the police bomb disposal unit set off another device.