The Institute of Journalists said it will be taking part in tonight’s vigil to commemorate the assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia.

Today marks the one-year anniversary since the brutal assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia, a day that has changed Malta forever, the institute said in a statement. The right to free speech is a fundamental pillar of modern democratic society.

One year ago, this reality was challenged in the most sinister way. In addition to being a direct attack on the journalistic profession, Daphne’s assassination was also an attack on the whole of Maltese society and the right to freedom of expression. Her death is at the centre of a dark chapter in our country’s history.

Every effort must be made to bring the perpetrators of crimes to justice. This is especially true in this case, given the implications on our democracy and on journalistic freedom. Society deserves to know who killed Daphne and why.

A free and democratic society cannot exist with a free and unhindered press. While appreciating that three suspects have been charged with her murder, the murder’s mastermind has still not been brought to justice. This cannot be accepted.

“We cannot tolerate living in a society where someone can consider silencing a journalist and think they can get away with it,” the IGM  said.

The institute will be attending tonight’s vigil to remember a colleague whose life was taken away because she exercised her right to free speech. Above all, we will be there as a reminder of the pressing need for answers.