Republic Day festivities are taking place today, however protesters were present close by in the morning chanting 'corrupt' 'assassins' and 'mafia'.

A strong police presence was on Republic Street, and people were not allowed to walk beyond Cafe Cordina towards St George's Square.

As the Republic Day parade marched down Republic Street, placards with the face of Daphne Caruana Galizia could be seen in the background.

Protesters, who braved the wet and cold weather, blew whistles as the band passed by.

When the traditional rifle salute was performed, protesters loudly yelled and blew their whistles.

A group of people guarded the memorial to slain journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia overnight. The memorial is located at the foot of the Great Siege monument in Valletta. Workers have been constantly tearing down the memorial to the slain journalist 'on orders from above' since the journalist was killed, and the people who stayed overnight wanted the memorial to remain untouched.

The heavy police presence was seen even in the early hours of the morning.

Protesters have been calling for the immediate resignation or removal of Joseph Muscat from the position of Prime Minister. The protesters began to leave at around 11am. 

Muscat had announced his intention to resign in January, however due to the recent revelations in relation to the journalist's murder trial, calls for his immediate removal have strengthened.

In the morning, the vigil to the slain journalist was still in tact, with many candles placed around it.

Photos by Alenka Falzon