Maltese cyclist's family 'struggling' to bring body back to Malta

The family of the Maltese cyclist killed in a traffic accident in China three weeks ago, are still struggling to bring the body to Malta.

Three weeks after the tragic death of Ishmael Muscat, 32, in Hefei, China, the family said it was finding difficulties in flying his body back to Malta. 

The family said that the problem revolves around his Muscat's battle with the Hefei Police, who in the first report put the blame on Ishmael for the accident.

The statement said that the GPS that was fixed to Ishmael's bicycle suggest that the driver that hit and killed him, was driving at such an excessive speed, that after hitting him he could not control the car and ran over his body.

His wife Xu Mei is refusing to accept the police report because this would mean that she and his family will lose all right to claim damages.

Xu Mei has decided to accompany the body to Malta when it is released by the Hefei police.

After the family wrote to the Foreign Minister George Vella and the Prime Minister Joseph Muscat last week, they were informed that an official from the Malta Embassy in Beijing, Mark Bezzina will fly to Hefei today to assist Ishmael's wife with her dispute with the police.

The family thanked all those who are helping them in these sad times.

"We would like to thank Minister Dr. George Vella who called twice at our home to assure us of his support.  He also informed us that the Prime Minister himself urged him to help us.  We have found support from the Government, our Embassy in Beijing, the Chinese Embassy in Malta and the Police."

Muscat's family also thanked Reno Calleja, the President of the Malta China Friendship Society, who with his vast experience on China and his valuable contacts is guiding the family every day.