Daphne Caruana Galizia was brutally assassinated, but freedom of speech is not on its deathbed.  Last Sunday in Valletta, the people have demonstrated that they are prepared to fight tooth and nail to protect freedom of speech, the rule-of-law and good governance.    

Our small community was stunned and the international community stupefied with the news that Caruana Galizia, a seasoned investigative and vocal independent journalist, has been assassinated.  The horrific news spread across the globe like wildfire, and brought a wide stream of condemnation directed towards those who were duty bound and responsible to protect her.  An equal flood of messages of solidarity was addressed to the Caruana Galizia family.

In a letter addressed to Archbishop Charles J. Scicluna, Pope Francis said he was "saddened by the tragic death" of Caruana Galizia and was praying for her family, the Maltese people and the nation as a whole "at this difficult moment."   Caruana Galizia’s assassination has prompted many holding important and influential offices around the world to have a closer look at what is happening on these Islands.  

“In a democracy, you need to have a strong judicial system. You need freedom of speech, you need art, and you need free press” - Tziporah Malka Livni.   ‘Tzipi’ is a prominent Israeli politician, widely considered the most powerful woman in the country since Golda Meir.   In Israel, Livni has earned a reputation as an honest politician who sticks to her principles.  On 11 February 11 2017, it was reported that UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres had offered Livni the post of Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations.  The statement by ‘Tzipi’ is very fitting in the light of the heinous assassination of Caruana Galizia, whose sharp pen has been abruptly silenced.    

Chief Justice Silvio Camilleri, during the opening of the forensic year earlier this month, gave a forewarning.   His razor-sharp statement was an eye-opener.   Back then, the Chief Justice cautioned that when the Police and the Attorney General fail in their duties, then the Courts could not exercise their duties and would be unable to enforce the law.  It is sad to note that Mr Chief Justice’s sound counsel was not heeded by the competent authorities in time.   Had the rule-of-law been a priority on the national agenda Caruana Galizia, and what she represented - primarily but not exclusively freedom of speech - would have been protected.       

It has already been more than a week since Caruana Galizia was assassinated in broad daylight in a powerful car bomb a couple of metres away from her home and, rightly so, local and international media are still reporting extensively on her assassination.  Caruana Galizia’s is not a tragic murder; it's a brutal assassination, well planned in advance and treacherously executed by mercenaries.  I have no doubt in my mind the person or persons who ordered her execution, and the person who actually carried out the vile and horrendous act, will live the rest of their lives in fear.  They must have had too much to lose and opted to make the ultimate move and eliminate Caruana Galizia, knowing full well that the competent authorities are weak and not capable of bringing them to justice.   Those who sought her elimination must have believed that with Mrs Caruana Galizia out of the way, they can hide and escape from justice.  While it is true that no more posts will be uploaded on Daphne’s Running Commentary, it does not mean that whoever committed this vile act is off the hook. 

On the contrary, Caruana Galizia will live on. I feel confident that other investigative journalists with the national interest at heart will take on Caruana Galizia’s role.  Uncovering and revealing cases in which politicians and public officers are found to be colluding with criminals in illegal activities, abuse of power and wheeling and dealing is not only important, but necessary.   Indeed, Daphne has paid a very hefty price to protect the national good and we are duty bound to continue where she has left.

The cowardly perpetrators opted to carry out this malicious act for the sole purpose of hiding their crimes which were being brought to light.  Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.  Caruana Galizia was not afraid to call a spade a spade irrespective of whoever was involved, and was constantly giving leads to the Police and the Attorney General on serious allegations in which senior politicians and public office holders were embroiled.  At the utter disgust of society, both failed to take the cue.           

One may or may not agree with Daphne’s point of view.  But silencing a seasoned and vocal investigative journalist, simply because she had the courage to uncover politicians and senior members holding public office engaged in very serious allegations of corruption and other wheeling and dealing, is nothing short of shameful.   No wonder this small society is stunned and is looking at office-holders for answers.  This is not the time for political rhetoric.  If anything, it is time for politicians and public officers to shoulder their responsibility.   Society is in search of and waiting for answers into Caruana Galizia’s assassination. 

This is yet another test for the Police and the Attorney General.  They are morally and legally obliged to make every effort to bring to justice whoever planned and carried out this vile attack.  So far, both institutions have, on more than one occasion, shown that they do not have the necessary resolve and earnestness to address issues which are of a certain magnitude.  As a matter of fact, they have shown great disposition to act in the interest of and protect senior members of government instead of protecting the rule-of-law and the people.

The brutal assassination of Caruana Galizia cannot be seen in isolation.  This is the culmination of a much broader picture.  The weakening of the independent institutions with the precise purpose of protecting the few powerful holding public office and selected few, was the first step.

Whether the person or persons responsible for this reprehensible act are brought to justice is a responsibility which the current administration has to shoulder.  In the event that no one is brought to justice, the current administration will have a whole lot of questions to answer.  It would have failed us all.  

With a heavy heart, I wish to convey my most sincere condolences to Daphne’s family and her numerous friends.