A court today lifted a ban on naming the only person charged with lighting one of Australia’s recent deadly wildfires, and officials urged people not to target the suspect or his family and to let justice take its course.
Brendan Solaluk (39) is facing one count of deadly arson and one of lighting a wildfire in connection to one of hundreds of blazes that swept southern Victoria state on February 7th, killing more than 180 people and destroying almost 2,000 homes.
In the first details known about the case, police documents presented to the court allege that Mr Solaluk "intentionally and without lawful excuse" set fire to a timber plantation in southeastern Victoria state on that date, and by doing so caused the death of another person.
The plantation blaze expanded in the extremely hot, dry and windy conditions on February 7th that fanned dozens of fires into raging infernos that reduced entire towns to ashes.
It became known as the Churchill fire, which officials previously have said killed at least 21 people. However, officials cited only 11 deaths in court, and did not immediately explain the discrepancy.
Mr Solaluk faces a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison on the deadly arson charge, and 15 years for the second arson charge.
Police suspect arson in at least two other fires, but have ruled out foul play in the remaining ones.
Mr Solaluk did not appear today in the courtroom, which was packed with media for a brief hearing at Melbourne Magistrates' Court. Police say he is being held in protective custody for his own safety, and is undergoing a psychiatric evaluation.
His lawyer did not enter a plea on his behalf.
Defence lawyer Helen Spowarg asked magistrate John Klestadt to renew an order banning the publication of anything that could identify Mr Solaluk because it could pose a threat to his safety or his family's.
Mr Klestadt agreed to an order against publishing photographs of the suspect or his address, but said he could be named.
The possibility that arsonists were involved in Australia's deadliest fire disaster has prompted national fury.
Earlier today, Victoria police chief Christine Nixon said security around Mr Solaluk would be high, and urged people angry about possible arson to let the justice system do its work. He was ordered to remain in custody until another hearing on May 26th.
"We hope that we don't have to deal with a gang of people who are angry and concerned about this arrest - we know people are," Ms Nixon told reporters. "We will make sure he is protected and can go before the justice system, as he should, and be dealt with through that process."
Mr Solaluk also is charged with possessing child pornography, a crime that carries a maximum five-year sentence.
Prime minister Kevin Rudd announced a national day of mourning for fire victims will be held on Sunday, with an official ceremony at the 14,820-capacity Australian Open tennis arena.
Country fire authority spokesman Gary Weir said favourable weather conditions for the next few days will help control eight fires still burning out of control in Victoria, but warned the fuel was still dry and the wind could turn.
AP