Aiia Maasarwe’s body to start journey home

She came to Melbourne as a bright-eyed exchange student keen for adventure but Aiia Maasarwe’s body will leave the country with her mourning family.

The 21-year-old will make her final journey to Israel after her body was released to her family by Victorian authorities.

The Palestinian Arab of Israeli citizenship was released by the coroner on Monday to a funeral director, AAP understands.

Her family has been desperate to see her body released so they can bury her in line with their Muslim faith.

Ms Maasarwe’s funeral will take place on Wednesday in Israel.

Her father, Saeed Maasarwe, and sister Ruba Maasarwe – who was on a video call with her sister when she was attacked – travelled to Melbourne after the death last week.

The Victorian government said it has been offering assistance the family through the ordeal.

“As acting premier I wrote to the father (and) I spoke to the Israeli ambassador,” Jacinta Allan told reporters on Monday.

“Every support is being provided through the Victorian government, through victim support agencies, through Victoria Police, to support the Maasarwe family through this most difficult of times and we’ll continue to provide that support every step of the way.”

Read the report in the Newcastle Herald (AAP).