Thousands of Australians have gathered across the country in memory of Indigenous teenager Cassius Turvey, who was allegedly bashed on his way home from school.
More than 40 events were held across Australia in towns and cities on Wednesday night to mourn the death of the 15-year-old boy.
Cassius died on Oct. 23, 10 days after he was attacked while walking home in Perth’s north-eastern suburbs.
Police have charged a 21-year-old man with Cassius’s murder, alleging that he attacked Cassius with a metal pole.
Cassius’s friends have described how the alleged attacker yelled racial slurs at them from a car before emerging with a weapon.
Addressing the vigil in Perth’s city centre, Cassius’s mother Mechelle spoke of her pain and thanked the country for its support.
“The love, the generosity, the kindness, and the outpouring of tributes across the nation has been so appreciated.
“I am angry, Cassius’s friends and family are angry, but I don’t want any form of violence at any of these rallies in the name of my child. Violence breeds violence, I want calm and peace.’’
Western Australia Police have said they are investigating whether the attack was racially motivated.
Mervyn Eades, an Indigenous leader, said Cassius’s death had resonated across the country.
“It is a national movement because it’s a child and we all have children. It hurts, as a community, it hurts,’’ he told News Corp Australia.
“We all have children, we all understand what the family and friends are feeling.’’ (Xinhua/NAN)