The Valletta local council has refused an application by civil society organisations Repubblika and Occupy Justice to display commemorative posters marking the assassination of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia near City Gate.
For several years, these large displays have been set up during the first two weeks of October to honour her memory, raise awareness about press freedom, and advocate against corruption and impunity.
This year, however, the local council rejected the permit request, citing that the entirety of Valletta was reserved for events connected to Notte Bianca and the Valletta Summit taking place between October 1 and 6.
Activists expressed deep frustration over the council's handling of the situation, stating that they attempted to engage constructively by requesting meetings and suggesting multiple prominent alternative locations across the city. According to the NGOs, the council ignored these communications entirely and refused to discuss any potential compromises.
In a joint statement, Repubblika and Occupy Justice condemned the refusal, pointing out that when a public authority blocks a message of public interest from a location used for years, claims no alternative space exists anywhere in the city, and refuses dialogue, it raises serious questions about politically motivated censorship. They emphasised that Valletta is a public space belonging to the citizens rather than any governing body or political party, and that public areas must remain accessible for peaceful assembly, protest, and civic expression.
While noting that the council's delays may make it difficult to secure an effective remedy in time for the anniversary events carrying this year's theme of "Justice Requires Action," the groups made it clear they will not allow this incident to set a precedent. They have warned that if the council continues to stonewall constructive solutions, they will take legal action to protect their fundamental right to freedom of expression and prevent public authorities from closing down civic space.
In a separate statement, Nationalist Party councillors in Valletta were never consulted about requests by civil society organisations to put up posters marking nine years since the assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia. Still less were they aware that these organisations' application had been rejected by the council of which they are supposed to be members.
It is concerning that, while discussions are under way in our country about introducing laws to protect journalists and strengthen journalism, someone within Valletta Local Council simply went ahead and rejected these organisations' request without informing councillors of the decision.
Valletta belongs to the shared heritage of all the people of Malta and Gozo. As Valletta residents, we must ensure that we protect this priceless heritage and everything that makes our city what it is. However, this does not mean that, as a council, we have the right to stifle freedom of expression - a sacrosanct right of every citizen.
On the contrary, it means that where obstacles to this freedom exist, we should be capable of finding solutions. As councillors, we have a duty to meet and speak with anyone wishing to express themselves in the capital city, and we should not hide behind frivolous excuses to deny any particular group of people their right to freedom of expression.
Therefore, "as PN councillors, we dissociate ourselves from this attitude and reaffirm our commitment to finding a solution that works for everyone without damaging our capital city".