Two representatives of the family of journalist Claudia Theophilus - killed by a stray bullet last Saturday in Lebanon - left this morning for Beirut, to start the process of repatriating her remains.

Claudia Theophilus It is learnt that Theophilus’ (left) employer, Al Jazeera English (AJE), is meeting the cost of travel for her sister Dora and a close family friend.

AJE, which has its headquarters in Doha, Qatar, will also pay for repatriation of the casket and funeral expenses, among other forms of support.

Bernama quoted Dora as saying before her departure: I’m grateful for all the support from friends, relatives and Claudia's employers since the incident.

"Our family will however, appreciate it very much if the media can respect our privacy and just pray for her to rest in peace.”  

Two members of the Umno Youth Community Complaints Bureau are accompanying her and her companion, who did not want to be identified.

There is as yet no information as to when the Lebanese authorities will release the body, as this depends on the progress of the investigation into her death.

If all goes smoothly and there are no legal issues, the remains are expected back in Malaysia on Friday.

'Rifle went off accidentally'

A post-mortem has been completed and the documentation is being finalised , according to a Bernama report yesterday. The Malaysian embassy in Beirut is assisting with logistics.

Theophilus 42, a producer with AJE, had gone to Lebanon for a holiday on Jan 28.

The incident happened at Baakleen, a mountainous area some 45km from Beirut, in the early hours of Feb 2.

According to a Star report yesterday, the Lebanese man whose rifle went off, killing Theophilus, is still in police custody pending completion of the probe.

It quoted Ambassador Ilango Karuppannan as confirming this and saying that embassy officials have been briefed on the incident.

The Lebanese man told the police that he was taking bullets out of his rifle. It went off as he was trying to dislodge a stuck bullet, the report said.

The eldest of three children, Theophilus had worked with TheSun and news portal Malaysiakini before moving to Doha.