Arabic version: قادة المجتمع يدعون إلى الهدوء بعد أعمال الشغب في أليس سبرينغز

Community leaders in Alice Springs have called for calm following violent protests outside the local hospital after the arrest of Jefferson Lewis, the alleged killer of five-year-old Kumanjayi Little Baby. The unrest erupted Thursday night, prompting officials to plead for restraint and reflection from residents.

According to ABC News, Kumanjayi’s family has echoed these calls, urging the community to avoid taking matters into their own hands. Senior Warlpiri Elder Robin Japanangka Granites emphasized the importance of mourning and respecting family traditions, stating that now is a time for reflection rather than violence.

The Northern Territory Police Commissioner, Martin Dole, reported that Lewis, 47, was subjected to a vigilante attack before his arrest, leaving him unconscious. Commissioner Dole confirmed that those involved in the violence would also face legal consequences. “There’s one law, and it applies to everybody,” she stated, reinforcing the need for justice to take its course.

The rioting, which involved around 400 individuals demanding “payback”, resulted in injuries to police and emergency personnel, as well as damage to several emergency vehicles. Local health service manager Michael Liddle condemned the violence, highlighting how it undermined the community’s collective efforts to search for Kumanjayi.

As the community processes this tragedy, leaders continue to advocate for peace and unity, urging residents to support one another and respect the cultural practices of the area.