Flags at the European Commission headquarters in Brussels are flying at half-mast to commemorate the loss of slain journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, at the request of Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker.

Caruana Galizia was brutally murdered on 16 October.

Malta is today holding a national day of mourning to mark the funeral of Caruana Galizia.

In a press statement issued this morning, the Commission said “today, the world takes leave” of Caruana Galizia.

“We were all horrified by the fact that this well-known and respected Maltese journalist lost her life on 16 October in a criminal act of unspeakable brutality. 

“Daphne Caruana Galizia's career spanned over 30 years, she was a pioneer of investigative journalism in Malta. Her ability to trigger debate is a testament to the success of her reporting and her dedication to the pursuit of truth.

“President Juncker and the European Commission condemned this brutal attack in the strongest terms possible. The right of a journalist to investigate, ask uncomfortable questions and report effectively, is at the heart of our values and needs to be guaranteed at all times.

“Our thoughts and hearts are with the people of Malta, and above all with Daphne Caruana Galizia's family, her colleagues and friends.

“At the request of President Juncker, the flags at the Commission Headquarters in Brussels will fly half-mast in honour of Daphne Caruana Galizia and all those who have given their lives for the freedom of speech,” the statement concluded.