Chinese authorities have officially confirmed the establishment of a joint taskforce that will travel to Australia to investigate the alleged scalding of a nine-month-old baby at a Brisbane playground, as the international search for the suspect persists. The incident, which has drawn widespread attention, occurred on August 27, 2024, at Hanlon Park in Stones Corner, where nine-month-old Luka was on a picnic with his mother.
Details of the Attack and Ongoing Investigation
A man approached the pair and threw a thermos of hot coffee over the infant, resulting in horrific burns to Luka's chest, neck, and face. The baby has since undergone at least eight surgeries to treat these severe injuries. The suspect, identified as a 33-year-old Chinese national, fled the scene and boarded a flight to China before authorities could apprehend him, and he has not been charged to date.
International Cooperation and Legal Challenges
More than eighteen months after the attack, China's ambassador to Australia, Xiao Qian, revealed that a 'working group' will be set up to investigate the matter. Ambassador Qian stated yesterday that the group will travel from China to Brisbane to collaborate with Australian colleagues, aiming to understand the incident thoroughly and explore how both sides can work together. He emphasised, 'We're now preparing for the working group to come, so we are serious in addressing this concern, and we're serious in taking the necessary actions.'
Despite Australia having no extradition arrangement with China, authorities remain confident in seeking justice. In a joint statement, Queensland Police and the Australian Federal Police expressed their support for the delegation of Chinese authorities visiting Brisbane. They noted, 'The AFP values the ongoing co-operation from Chinese authorities and their shared commitment to pursue all avenues for justice in light of the alleged offender's location.' The statement also highlighted that China has extraterritorial jurisdiction to prosecute its citizens for conduct occurring outside China.
Impact on the Victim and Family
Luka's mother has described the attack as a 'deliberate act of violence,' sharing on social media that her son has received synthetic skin grafts, skin needling, and laser treatments for his burns. She poignantly added, 'Every procedure is a painful reminder of what was done to him — and of the justice that still hasn't come.' She further expressed the ongoing emotional toll, stating, '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.'
Background of the Suspect
Chinese media reports have provided additional context, revealing that the suspect had entered and exited Australia multiple times since 2019, initially on a working holiday visa before switching to a student visa. During this period, he lived in various locations on Australia's east coast and worked in a meat processing plant. It is alleged that when his latest visa application was rejected, his frustration culminated in the coffee attack. According to China's New Tang Dynasty Television, 'Finally, he vented his anger and allegedly hurt a baby before leaving Australia.'
Further insights from a coworker posted on the Chinese social media platform 'Little Red Book' suggest the man has 'a brain problem' and was described as 'weird and difficult to deal with.' NTD Television alleged that the man 'probably attacked Luka to take revenge on the white people, before running away.' The suspect was captured on CCTV footage leaving the park and later driving to Sydney before boarding a flight out of Australia on August 31.
The Queensland Police and Australian Federal Police continue to work closely, exploring all available avenues to progress this matter and ensure accountability for the alleged crime.
