Daphne Caruana Galizia's brutal murder is being mourned by politicians, blog followers, concerned citizens who care about what goes on in Malta but also by people who are not into the political sphere. Thousands took to Facebook to express their disbelief at the horrific attack on journalism and democracy.
Drama teacher and actor Alan Montanaro told The Malta Independent how this tragic event resonates deeply for him as he recalled how his father was one of the pioneers of freedom of the press.
"My late father (former Sunday Times editor Anthony Montanaro) was a pioneer of freedom of the press. The cold-blooded and cowardly assassination of Ms Caruana Galizia will have long reaching implications for Malta. They couldn't shut her up so they blew her up instead - straight into Malta's history pages. She will never be forgotten."
Mario Vella, the lead singer for popular Maltese band Brikkuni, wrote a lengthy Facebook post in which he said that nothing makes sense anymore. He did not, however, hold back from stating the harsh truths about the sitation in Malta.
"Colleagues from all political fronts who have failed to speak up when crucial issues emerged, suddenly feel that their freedom of speech is under threat. They are the same people who never wrote anything worth their while, never investigated anything substantial and are still tied by the parties muzzle."
Vella went on to call on these individuals to act. "If you truly want to do something, stop serving your masters and look into the facts sitting right under your noses."
He then mentioned those who, blinded by partisan politics, failed to show some empathy. "Is it so hard to show some empathy? Are you so barbarous to feel vindicated by her death? The country is full of people who put unsustainable commerce before God, before their health and their children's health. A country which sells its passports to anonymous individuals and curse those who wish to survive another night. A country which recognizes money laundering and hidden contracts. Now this country is asking how could we sweep so low."
Author Jean Paul Borg wrote a simple yet very powerful Facebook post in reaction to Caruana Galizia's death. “My mouth is dry in shock, hope the ink never dries out.”
Guitarist Wayne Camilleri took to Facebook to express his sorrow. In a post late Monday evening he wrote "Dark dark day, whatever your beliefs or opinions".
Singer Ira Losco, like many shocked by the news, described Daphne Caruana Galizia as an excellent journalist “in a league of her own.”
“This way of shutting people up is just not on, is barbaric and is very very scary. My sincere condolences to Daphne Caruana Galizia's family, my heart goes out to them.”