The Institute of Maltese Journalists on Thursday took part in a commemorative event at the memorial dedicated to Daphne Caruana Galizia, who was killed eight years ago today.

"Today, we gather here not only to remember Daphne Caruana Galizia, a fearless journalist, a devoted mother, and a tireless advocate for truth, but also to reflect on the profound implications of her life and untimely death on our society. Eight years ago, we lost a voice that stood for accountability and unwavering commitment to uncovering the truth," President Matthew Xuereb said.

Daphne was not just a journalist; she was a beacon of hope for many. In her writings, she exposed corruption, challenged power, and illuminated the darkest corners of our political landscape. Her courage to speak out against injustice resonated far beyond the shores of Malta, reminding us all that the pursuit of truth is not just a profession, it is a moral obligation.

"As we stand here today, we must recognize that journalism is the bedrock of a healthy democracy. It is the mechanism through which citizens are informed, empowered, and equipped to hold those in power accountable. When journalism thrives, democracy flourishes. But when it is threatened, silenced, or attacked, the very fabric of our democratic society unravels," he added.

The assassination of Daphne was not merely an attack on one individual; it was an assault on the principles of freedom of expression and the rights of all journalists. It sent a chilling message to those who dare expose the truth: that their lives could be at stake for doing what is right. "Today, we must stand united in our resolve to protect journalism and journalists. We must demand stronger protections for those who risk their lives to bring us the news. We must advocate for laws that safeguard press freedom, ensuring that no journalist fears for their safety while performing their duty," he said.

Let us not forget that the fight for justice for Daphne is not just about seeking accountability for her murder; it is about ensuring that her legacy lives on in the continued pursuit of truth. We owe it to her, and to all journalists who have faced persecution, to create an environment where they can operate freely and safely, without fear of retribution.

"Together we must continue championing press freedom, continue pushing for access to information and continue to advocate for policies that protect journalists and ensure their independence in reporting the truth. We must educate our communities about the critical role of journalism as a public good and stand up to threats to journalism, whether they come in the form of violence, censorship, or intimidation," he said.

Daphne's spirit lives on in every journalist who bravely tells the stories that need to be told. As we commemorate her legacy today, let us pledge to protect journalism as the foundation of a healthy democracy. Together, we can create a world where the truth is honoured, freedom is cherished, and justice prevails, he concluded.

The event was organised by Repubblika and #OccupyJustice with IGM and PEN Malta.

Pia Zammit, an activist from the two organisations, spoke. "Today, we pause - not for protest or for politics - but for reflection. To create space to remember Daphne for what she was before she was a symbol: a writer, a journalist, a woman who used words as both mirror and torch. In a country that too often confuses noise for discourse, Daphne insisted on clarity. She believed that journalism was not just about reporting events, but about _understanding_ them - connecting the dots, challenging the silence, refusing to accept the easy story. That is what writers do. They insist that we look again. They refuse to let us forget."

"OccupyJustice and Repubblika exist because of what Daphne stood for - truth, accountability, courage. But today, we remember not only the courage of her convictions, we remember the craft of her words. Her wit. Her precision. Her ability to turn outrage into reason and reason into action. If we want to honour her, we must also protect the space she lived in - the space for journalists and writers to think freely, to question safely, to write honestly. That space is still fragile. It is still contested. But it is also still possible - if we keep making it, together," she said.

Klara Vassallo from PEN Malta, and Italian journalist Giuseppe Giulietti, President of Articolo 21 in Italy and a journalist, also spoke.