The Malta Independent 24 June 2025, Tuesday
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Daphne Caruana Galizia ‘was more than the warrior we often remember her as’ – Metsola

Monday, 26 August 2024, 12:36 Last update: about 11 months ago

Daphne Caruana Galizia's life was cut short by "those who could not accept that 'one woman with a laptop' stood in front of their malign ways", European Parliament President Roberta Metsola said in a post on Facebook, remembering Caruana Galizia on what should have been her 60th birthday.

Caruana Galizia, a Maltese investigative journalist, was assassinated in October 2017 through the use of a car bomb near her Bidnija home. Her murder drew global condemnation, eventually leading to widespread protests in the country calling for better protection for the press and an end to institutional corruption.

"She fought, but was more than the warrior we often remember her as. Daphne was a mother, daughter, sister, wife. She was sharp, witty, and incredibly brave," Metsola said. "As we continue this fight for some semblance of justice, we remember Daphne - smiling."

Repubblika also made a post on Caruana Galizia's birthday, in which the NGO remarked that "#JusticeForDaphne has still not been served".

The NGO said that it was born in the aftermath of Caruana Galizia's assassination, and that staying silent is not an option. "We continue to demand justice for Daphne, her stories, and for all of us, who deserve to live in a country in which the rule of law reigns supreme and good governance and high standards in public life are the cornerstones of our democracy."

Occupy Justice Malta also published a statement on Caruana Galizia's 60th birthday, in which the NGO referred to her as a courageous journalist whose voice was silenced. "Daphne's relentless pursuit of truth and justice continues to inspire and resonate around the world, even as we mourn the loss of her presence."

Occupy Justice said that Caruana Galizia was more than a journalist, regarding her as a "fierce advocate for transparency and accountability". The NGO continued that Caruana Galizia's investigative work "shed light on corruption and abuses of power". It added that her work challenged the status quo and held those in power to account. "For this, she paid the ultimate price, but her legacy lives on."

The NGO said that Caruana Galizia's work transcended Malta's borders and echoes in every corner of the world where press freedom is under threat. It continued that her "unwavering commitment to exposing the truth regardless of the personal risks" serves as a reminder of the vital role played within democracy by a free and independent press.

"As we mark her 60th birthday, we reflect not only on what Daphne achieved but also on what more she could have accomplished if she were still with us. Her voice, silenced by those who feared the truths she revealed, remains a clarion call for justice, integrity, and courage in journalism."

Occupy Justice said that it has been almost seven years since her assassination, "yet the fight for justice continues". It commented that while there have been steps forward in the investigation into the murder, the demand for full accountability remains steadfast, "not just for those who carried out the attack but also for those who ordered it".

 

"On this significant day, we renew our commitment to preserving Daphne's legacy," the NGO said. It continued that it pledges to defend press freedom and support journalists working tirelessly to expose the truth. The NGO said that this pledge is a continuation of the work that she had started.

It invited the public to visit Caruana Galizia's memorial in front of the law courts and place flowers or candles.

"We call on all those who believe in the power of truth to join us in remembering Daphne Caruana Galizia today. Let us not only honour her memory but also take action in our own communities to support press freedom and demand justice for those who, like Daphne, have sacrificed their lives in pursuit of truth."

"This is our nation, this is our home, and we are the people. We expect better. We deserve better. We demand better," Occupy Justice concluded


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