Posted on 02/16/2009 11:10:53 PM PST by naturalman1975
THE death toll from Victoria's worst ever bushfires has climbed from 189 to 200.
A full report will follow shortly.
Meanwhile, anger at accused bushfire arsonist Brendan Sokaluk has led to threats against a member of his family and harassment of a former girlfriend.
Mr Sokaluk, 39, is charged with lighting the Churchill fire, which killed at least 10 people, and is in custody at a secret location amid fears vigilantes will harm him.
He has been charged with one count each of arson causing death, intentionally lighting a bushfire and possessing child pornography.
Victoria's Supreme Court today heard there had been threats to at least one member of Mr Sokaluk's family.
At a hearing to decide whether a suppression order banning publication of Mr Sokaluk's image should be lifted, the accused arsonist's lawyer Julian McMahon revealed news of the threats.
"There have been ... threats made to one other family member at least that I'm aware of," Mr McMahon said.
"Not only is there the understandable community anger which suddenly has a focus point, there's also vicious hatred appearing in another kind of medium.
"Facebook groups were ... showing my client's photo and calling for his torture and death."
(Excerpt) Read more at news.com.au ...
This tragedy is unbelievable. So much devastation. Special prayers for you and your countrymen and women.
Prayers for you and your country. So sad... God bless you all.
Poor Mr. Sokaluk! Where are the corc tears?!? He doesn’t even seem to be sorry!
We’ve just lost a firefighter... killed in the line of duty. Just one more death, but God, it hurts.
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