Journalists have been urged to stand firm against violence and online harassment by reporting any such incidents for them to be documented.

On the ninth anniversary of the brutal assassination of investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, Institute of Maltese Journalists president Nicole Meilak addressed a gathering of colleagues, and family members to honour her legacy and emphasise the ongoing threats facing journalists today.

Journalists from different newsrooms across Malta gathered in front of the Great Siege Monument on Friday morning in Valletta for an activity marking the ninth anniversary of the assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia.

The event, organised by the IĠM, was held to show support and solidarity with the Caruana Galizia family and with one another. It followed this year's verdict, which the organisers said made it more important than ever for journalists to come together. 

In her speech, Meilak noted that Caruana Galizia was killed simply because someone believed she knew too much, calling the assassination not only a cruel murder of a writer, but a direct attack on the public's collective right to know.

Meilak acknowledged that while people may disagree with a journalist's methods or writings, violence crosses a line that must never be accepted. She stressed that violence against journalists takes many forms beyond physical harm, highlighting how online harassment, digital bullying, and malicious lawsuits continue to be used to intimidate reporters and silence critical reporting.

She called on the public and media community to maintain zero tolerance for violence while standing firm in defending public scrutiny.

Reflecting on recent developments in court, Meilak shared the profound shock felt by many when Yorgen Fenech was acquitted of charges linked to the murder, describing how hopes for justice were shattered after years of waiting.

She pointed out that when public faith in institutions and legal processes falters, the role of independent journalism becomes even more vital in uncovering the truth.

Concluding her address, she urged journalists to recognize the true value of their work in informing the public, describing this commitment to truth as the most meaningful way to honour Daphne Caruana Galizia's enduring legacy.