The devastated family of Pelin Kaya have pledged to continue fighting for justice in Malta as the body of the 30-year-old woman was repatriated to Turkey for burial.

“Pelin will be buried in Turkey, where she was born,” the family said, before thanking Maltese authorities for their “full cooperation”.

“Particularly we thank the Ministry for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade and the Government of Malta for their commitment to covering all the funeral expenses, including the transportation,” they said.

“We would like to thank our legal team in Malta, Mr Ghaznavi and his team, as well as our Turkish advisors at Harmancı & Partners. We thank also the Turkish Embassy in Malta and the Maltese Embassy in Turkey for their assistance.”

The family spoke about the emotional vigil held on Friday night in Gżira.

During the vigil, the family lit a candle on a birthday cake while surrounded by mourners to celebrate Pelin’s birthday, which, tragically, was the day she was killed by an intoxicated driver who rammed his BMW X6 into her at 1am in what has been described as a senseless killing.

“Yesterday’s vigil at the exact spot where Pelin was last alive was a significant moment for our family and we are grateful for the solidarity showed with us and for all those who offered their help and kind words to us,” the family said.

“Pelin left Malta dead, but our belief that the justice will be done remains alive. We will fight in Pelin’s name so who interrupted her wonderful life will get what he deserves and can no longer harm anyone else.”