Mother of scalded infant lashes out at authorities as accused attacker ‘walks free' following push for China to take action

Sky News AU

3 hours ago

The mother of a young boy who is still recovering after being severely scalded with hot coffee has called out authorities as the accused attacker 'walks free' nearly a year after the horrifying incident.
Baby Luka was nine months old when he suffered life-threatening injuries after a Chinese national allegedly poured a thermos of hot coffee on him in Brisbane on August 27, 2024.
The 33-year-old man accused over the incident is believed to have fled to China through New Zealand on August 31 last year.
Baby Luka's mother, who cannot be named, has taken to social media as the anniversary of the attack approaches, detailing the ordeal her son has been through since.
"He's received synthetic skin grafts, skin needling, and laser treatments for his burns," she said in a statement.
"Every procedure is a painful reminder of what was done to him — and of the justice that still hasn't come.'
His mother also took aim at the legal system and urged authorities to act as the man accused of attacking her son still 'walks free'.
"Our legal systems and international relationships should protect victims and children, yet they have failed to do so," she wrote.
'To those in positions of power: please don't make it another year. Do not let this man escape accountability for hurting a child!'
And despite the horrific attack, in which Luka suffered burns to 60 per cent of his body, his mother said he is "healing with a spirit that amazes us every single day".
Her remarks come just days after it was reported that Australian authorities were pushing for China to take action, with sources saying talks had been going on for months between the two countries to try and "find a resolution to the matter", according to The Australian.
'There are ongoing conversations between Australia and China in relation to this matter and what can be done," a source told The Australian.
Chinese citizens are not extradited from China to face prosecution in other countries and the source said, "it's been made clear that they don't extradite their own'.'
Chinese media reported after the incident that the 33-year-old had entered and left Australia a number of times since 2019, using multiple visas including a working holiday visa and a student visa.
He reportedly had a 'brain problem' according to a previous work colleague.
Queensland Police said in a statement on Friday that the police force and Australian Federal Police (AFP) "remain committed to securing justice for the victim and his family".
"Further information will be provided at an appropriate time," the statement said.