2 days ago
Dramatic diplomatic update on Chinese man accused of pouring hot coffee on an Aussie baby
The man who allegedly threw hot coffee on an innocent baby in a Brisbane park is protected from extradition back to Australia under Chinese law.
Nine-month-old Luka had boiling hot coffee poured over him in Brisbane's Hanlon Park on August 27, 2024.
The man allegedly responsible poured an entire thermos of boiling water on Luka before fleeing the country from Sydney to China, evading capture.
Ever since, Australian authorities have been urging China to return the man for prosecution, but the requests have constantly been denied.
Chinese law dictates that no Chinese nationals can be extradited to face prosecution abroad for crimes allegedly committed overseas.
Luka, who will turn two in October, is continuing his recovery. As the one-year anniversary of the attack approaches, officials remain determined to find the man responsible.
It is understood that Queensland Police have forwarded their detailed evidence against the man to Chinese authorities for their consideration.
Australian officers have said they were intent on 'finding a resolution to the matter', months after they were able to identify the suspect.
Luka's parents said he was still undergoing treatment.
'Luka still has to have regular surgeries, he gets laser and skin needling to reduce the appearance of the scars,' they told The Australian.
'The scars are on his chin, shoulder and a little bit on his back.
'But otherwise, he's healed really well and is thriving in life.'
Australian authorities have remained quiet on the fate of the man behind the attack.
Detectives have continue to refuse to confirm what options they have at their disposal.
This refusal of disclosure extends to what they may have offered their Chinese counterparts in exchange for the man responsible.
CCTV footage captured the man fleeing the Brisbane park in the minutes following the incident.
The man was said to have approached Luka slowly before emptying his beverage and breaking into a sprint as he fled the scene.
Both his attack and escape were captured on CCTV.
Following his departure, the man is believed to have driven to Sydney and immediately boarded a flight out of the country on August 31.
Initially, Australian police provided the public with an incorrect name for the man and were unable to verify his true identity until he was already out of the country.
It was revealed that the attack had been committed after the man learned his extension request for his visa in Australia had been denied.
The 33-year-old had been in Australia since 2019, working in a warehouse and an abattoir at various times.
The man is known to Chinese authorities and has been extensively covered by local media.
Investigators from the Queensland Police Service and the Australian Federal Police have been in contact with China over the man's whereabouts.
