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| Australian arson suspect named | Australian arson suspect named |
| (about 2 hours later) | |
| A court has heard that the man accused of lighting a deadly wildfire in Victoria, Australia, may be at risk in protective custody. | A court has heard that the man accused of lighting a deadly wildfire in Victoria, Australia, may be at risk in protective custody. |
| The 39-year-old man was not in court to hear the judge lift the suppression order which kept his identity a secret. | The 39-year-old man was not in court to hear the judge lift the suppression order which kept his identity a secret. |
| He has now been named as Brendan Sokaluk, from the Gippsland area. | |
| At least 21 people were killed in the blaze in Churchill, Victoria, one of several which prosecutors allege was started deliberately. | |
| Firefighters in Victoria are still battling nine blazes. | Firefighters in Victoria are still battling nine blazes. |
| Mr Sokaluk, from the town of Churchill in the Gippsland region of the state, is facing charges of arson causing death, of intentionally starting a bushfire, and of possessing child pornography. | Mr Sokaluk, from the town of Churchill in the Gippsland region of the state, is facing charges of arson causing death, of intentionally starting a bushfire, and of possessing child pornography. |
| His defence lawyer told the court that there was an unprecedented level of emotion, anger and disgust at his alleged offences, and even though her client was in protective custody he still remained at risk. | His defence lawyer told the court that there was an unprecedented level of emotion, anger and disgust at his alleged offences, and even though her client was in protective custody he still remained at risk. |
| She therefore asked that his name remain suppressed. | She therefore asked that his name remain suppressed. |
| But the judge ruled that his identity was already well-known in his home community and that the suppression order served no practical effect. | But the judge ruled that his identity was already well-known in his home community and that the suppression order served no practical effect. |
| The prosecution has asked for extra time to prepare its case, saying there would be up to 200 witnesses to interview. | The prosecution has asked for extra time to prepare its case, saying there would be up to 200 witnesses to interview. |