Gunman in Sydney siege identified as an Iranian refugee

#Sydneysiege The identity of the gunman who is holding people hostage in a café in Sydney is now known, he has been identified as an Iranian refugee who has been in Australia since 1996 under political asylum – he is supposed to be a lawyer by profession.
He is Man Haron Monis and is on bail facing a number of charges. These include for being an accessory to the murder of his former wife and he is also facing more than 40 sexual and indecent assault charges. In addition, he has earlier been convicted for sending offensive letters to the families of deceased Australian soldiers.
The police of Central Sydney are in negotiations with the gunman and the area is in lock down around the café – it is understood that some hostages have managed to escape.
As per reports, a black Islamic flag was displayed at the window and the gunman made use of three of the hostages to pass on demands – they were made to stand beside a black flag and make statements to a camera.
The exact number of hostages inside the Lindt café in Martin Place is not clear. The building is located in a busy shopping area in Sydney's financial district.
The incident broke in the morning and, as night fell, the gunman switched off the lights inside.
Prime Minister Tony Abbott has expressed profound shock that people were being "held hostage by an armed person claiming political motivation".