Pia Zammit could not have said it better – “Malta is not a normal country”.

It is like living a Netflix series. Local press, international press, all reporting and seeking to uncover the truth and the motive behind the gruesome murder of 16 October 2017, the gruesome assassination of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, and this while the Government trumpets laurels about the economy and deviates attention by bringing forward sensational and sensitive legislation such as the legalisation of marijuana and embryo freezing.

Last Monday’s vigil, like all other vigils, sent out a strong message. People from all walks of life attended the vigil. People from the north, south, east, west of Malta and Gozo attended the vigil. I was there too. The passion, the determination to uncover the truth and to ensure justice could be seen written all over people’s faces. It could be felt in the vociferous speeches. It could be heard in the tete-a-tete conversations between the people in the crowd. The hundreds of people present sent out a clear message ….. for those who want to listen, for those who care to listen.

People want to live in a safe country. People want to live in a normal country. I too want to live in a safe country. I too want to live in a normal country. I want my son to live and grow up in a safe and normal country. Daphne wanted this too. I assume you want it too.

Most people want to live in a country where justice is the order of the day. I want it too. Daphne wanted it too. I assume you want it too.

Before delving any further on the subject matter I believe that I should point out two things that I strongly stand by:

1. First and foremost, it’s about time that we acknowledge that the principles advocated by Daphne’s pen are sound principles that should not be overlooked or overshadowed by any other considerations. Actually, it should be the inverse – transparency, accountability, no corruption, justice should overlook and overshadow all actions, all decisions and their lack thereof.

2. Secondly, this is not only about Daphne’s rights. It is also about our rights, about your rights. We might not all agree or like Daphne’s style, but fact remains fact. I amaze myself when I read certain comments levelled against Daphne’s family. I cannot fathom certain comments on social media levelled against Occupy Justice and other organisations for fighting Daphne’s cause and our cause.

Nas Daily’s #ohmymalta has gone viral, unfortunately for the wrong reason. Let’s all strive to change #ohmymalta’s course – we want justice to be done. Let’s all stand united, let’s all stand up to be counted and fight for what is right.

Marthese Portelli

Spokesperson for Planning, Capital Projects and Property Market