The mother of a baby who was scalded with coffee has called for justice as China comes under pressure to extradite the alleged offender.
A hot thermos was poured on Luka a year ago while he was on a picnic at Brisbane’s Hanlon Park.
His mother said Luka, who was nine months old at the time, had still not healed from the “unthinkable” attack, which left him with burns to 60 per cent of his body.
The toddler was burned on his chest, neck and face and he had since undergone eight surgeries.
“He’s received synthetic skin grafts, skin needling, and laser treatments for his burns,” she wrote on social media, according to the ABC.
“Every procedure is a painful reminder of what was done to him — and of the justice that still hasn’t come.”
Police have not recently announced any progress on the case.
The mum, who cannot be named, said it was “beyond unacceptable” that the alleged offender had not been punished.
“That reality is as painful today as it was a year ago and is one of the hardest things to live with: knowing that the person who hurt our child walks free,” she wrote.
“Our legal systems and international relationships should protect victims and children, yet they have failed to do so.
“To those in positions of power: please don’t make it another year. Do not let this man escape accountability for hurting a child.”
Luka’s mother said her boy had shown a “strength far beyond his years”.
“A strength that continues to outshine the cruelty he experienced,” she reportedly posted.
“Despite everything he has endured and continues to endure, he is healing with a spirit that amazes us every single day.”
Chinese media reported that the man had lived in various locations on Australia’s east coast under visas since arriving in 2019.
When his last visa application was rejected, the man reportedly “vented his anger” on the baby,” reported China’s New Tang Dynasty Television.
He was believed to have flown to China via New Zealand.
Live News
