A vigil for murder victim Paulina Dembska was held in Sliema on Tuesday evening, where the victim's family asked the hundreds present to pray for their daughter.

Dembska was found dead in Independence Garden in Sliema at around 6:20 am on 2 January.

The suspect, 20-year-old Abner Aquilina was arrested a short while later after he entered the Balluta church and caused a commotion.

People gathered on Tuesday evening at the site of the tragic murder, to remember her and show solidarity with the family. Ave Maria was played both in English and in Polish - as requested by her family who were present remotely via a Whatsapp phone call.

Women's rights activist Lara Dimitrijevic read out a message from Dembska's mother: "I ask you not to waste your time here on earth, because no one knows the place or the hour, I ask you to pray for my daughter, our sister, aunt, friend. Thank you for being with us in these very difficult moments. Paulina loved this place. She loved animals, she loved cats, she loved Malta. Take care of yourselves all, because again I tell you, no one knows the place or the hour."

Dimitrijevic then delivered her own short speech. She said that the country has failed to protect Paulina and failed to ensure that she and other women who were victims of femicide lived a life without fear. "The country needs to pull up its socks and stop playing ostrich."

Activists also read out Paulina's own words about life, "You come here naked. You will go away naked. You came here defenceless, you will be just as weak and vulnerable when you leave."

"You came without money, you will leave without money. That is what being a human being is like. Why so much pride, malice, hatred and resentment?"

Prime Minister Robert Abela was in attendance as were MPs from both sides of the House.

 

Photos Giuseppe Attard