Australian Aboriginal girls murder sparks riots and arrest of suspect nationwide

A man suspected of killing a five-year-old Indigenous girl has been arrested in a remote Australian town, prompting widespread protests and clashes with emergency workers. Police say Jefferson Lewis, 47, was taken into custody at Alice Springs Hospital on Friday after locals beat him until he was unconscious.

About 400 people gathered at the hospital, where Lewis was being held, calling for “payback” - a traditional form of punishment in Aboriginal societies. The crowd threw projectiles and lit fires, injuring several police officers and medical workers. Police vehicles, ambulances, and fire trucks were also damaged during the chaos.

Police Commissioner Martin Dole said the violence erupted when Lewis presented himself to police at one of the town camps in Alice Springs. “As a result of presenting himself, members of that town camp decided to inflict vigilante justice upon Jefferson,” he stated.

The girl, Kumanjayi Little Baby, had been missing from her home on the outskirts of Alice Springs since late Saturday. Her body was found during a search by hundreds of people in dense bushland around the town. Lewis has past convictions for physical assault and was recently released from prison.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed understanding for the community’s anger and frustration, while urging calm. Robin Granites, a senior Aboriginal elder and spokesperson for the family, also appealed for restraint. “This man has been caught, thanks to community action, and we must now let justice take its course while we take the time to mourn Kumanjayi Little Baby and support our family,” he said.

In response to the violence, a day-long ban on takeaway alcohol sales will be enforced in the town, and more police will arrive from Darwin to prevent further escalation. The Northern Territory Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro announced additional measures to maintain public safety.

Source: Al Jazeera