At least two Facebook groups with more than 3,900 hundred combined members were created by vigilantes aiming to name and shame alleged Victorian bushfire arsonist, Brendan Sokaluk 39, charged with lighting one of the deadly fires
that killed at least 11 people in Australia.
Sokaluk's' photograph and address were published on the social networking site potentially defying an order suppressing his image. The suppression order naming Sokaluk was lifted according to a report by the Sydney Morning Herald, though his photo still remains posted on Facebook.
"Many people affected by the fires have logged into the groups to vent their anger, and scores have made threats against the alleged arsonist's life." Asher Moses reported for the SMH.
One Facebook group calling itself, "Brendan Sokaluk, the Victoian Bushfires Arsonist, must burn in hell", has already rallied over 2,300 members with dozens more jumping in by the minute. The group has amassed well over 400 wall posts containing various levels of rage aimed at Sokaluk, as hundreds vent their personal frustration.
"Ya know, I would go to jail myself if I could get my hands on this creep, let me hurt him, burn him, put a bullet and knife in every orifice of his body," wrote one poster. Source: SMH
The leaked photo was allegedly lifted from Brendan Sokaluk's MySpace page which has since been disabled. Victoria police have already contacted Facebook seeking removal of the groups. Facebook has failed to comment thus far.
You can count on a proper shit storm from thousands of Facebook members should the social networking site choose to shut down the vigilante movement.
"Sokaluk has been charged with one count of arson causing death, one count of intentionally lighting a bushfire and one count of possessing child pornography." Asher Moses wrote in his report.
Searching the name Brendan Sokaluk will gain quick access to the Facebook vigilante gathering in progress. Both groups were still growing at a rapid pace at the time of this posting.
he doesn't deserve to live in society...should be burnt on the stake...but slowly... so that he'll know how it feels to be burnt alive !!! monster !
Posted by: frankyr | February 17, 2009 at 05:40 PM
It's actually at least 200 people confirmed dead with many hundreds of families homeless.
Posted by: Dana Jones | February 17, 2009 at 05:40 AM