A series of demonstrations will take place on Wednesday in Malta and across several European cities in solidarity with the family of assassinated journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia.
The protests follow the acquittal of businessman Yorgen Fenech in connection with the murder of Caruana Galizia, a development that has renewed calls for accountability and raised concerns among civil society groups and supporters of press freedom.
Fenech was acquitted of charges of complicity and conspiracy in the murder of Caruana Galizia by a jury two weeks ago. The prosecution are set to appeal the verdict - an appeal which, if accepted, could lead to a re-trial.
A demonstration in Valletta today will bring together citizens demanding justice for Caruana Galizia and reaffirming their support for journalists and activists facing threats, intimidation or attacks in the course of their work.
The demonstration takes place a month shy of the 9th anniversary of Caruana Galizia's death in a car bomb close to her home. The action has been endorsed by several organisations, including The Malta Independent, and NGOs.
Meanwhile, solidarity protests are also being organised outside Maltese Embassies across Europe. Demonstrations have already been organised in The Hague, Berlin and Paris, with organisers urging Maltese communities and supporters of justice to join the growing movement. A protest was held in London soon after the Fenech trial verdict.
In The Hague, organisers Nathan Portelli, Justin Ellul and Emma Grima highlighted that 107 months have passed since the assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia.
"107 months of waiting for truth, justice and accountability. Yet justice remains out of reach," the organisers said in a message on social media calling on people across Europe to take part in demonstrations.
The appeal encourages supporters to join existing protests, organise their own demonstrations and bring together friends, families and communities to show that Maltese people living abroad will not remain silent in the face of perceived injustice.
"Daphne's fight is our fight," the organisers said, emphasising that her memory and legacy continue to inspire calls for stronger democratic institutions and accountability.
The protests are also expected to focus on broader concerns surrounding the rule of law, press freedom and the relationship between powerful individuals and public. institutions. Organisers are demanding institutions that serve "the people rather than the powerful".