Court Lifts Gag Order in Aussie Arson Suspect's Case

A gag order in the case of the only arson suspect in Australia’s recent deadly wildfires has been lifted, despite threats on his life.

Brendan James Sokaluk, 39, is accused of starting a recent bushfire which resulted in the deaths of at least 11 people. Magistrate John Klestadt said he had little doubt Sokaluk’s identity would be known regardless of any court order.

“I am not persuaded that the suppression of his name will have any real effect within that community,” said Klestadt.

Earlier, Chief Commissioner Christine Nixon had warned people not to threaten Sokaluk, despite emotions running high after last week’s devastating bushfires.

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