[WATCH] ‘We will not be afraid’

Maltese journalists stand up for free speech in the wake of Daphne Caruana Galizia’s murder, as they gather in Valletta for a manifestation of solidarity

19 October 2017, 12:34pm
by Kurt Sansone

2 min read

'Not afraid', read the placards (Photo: James Bianchi/Media Today)

Journalists and media workers gathered in front of Parliament to condemn the “barbaric act” that destroyed the life of Daphne Caruana Galizia.

While expressing solidarity with Caruana Galizia’s family, journalists described this as one of the most “despicable acts” ever carried out in the country.

“Nobody deserves to die for exercising their right to speak,” the journalists said in a short statement.
But the manifestation was also intended as a message of hope to the rest of society.

“This attack on one of us will not stop us from shining a light where others want darkness, the attack on one of us will not muzzle us, the attack on one of us will not stop us from fulfilling our role as a watchdog to the institutions. We will stand up to intimidation, whoever it’s coming from,” the journalists said.

The Maltese press corps also called on the authorities to promote press freedom, provide access to information and stop tolerating incitement against a free media.

In a poignant message to the perpetrators of the heinous crime, the journalists reiterated their resolve to continue working without fear or favour.

“To the cowards who carried out this attack, our message is one and clear: we will not stop. We will not be afraid,” the Maltese press corps insisted.

(Photo: James Bianchi/Media Today)

Journalists then walked down to the law courts, holding placards reading “we will not be afraid” and “freedom of speech”, while others held up newspaper front pages, symbolically sprayed in red.

The Institute of Maltese Journalists, through its lawyer, Stefano Filletti, filed a court application, asking the duty magistrate investigating the murder, to ensure that Caruana Galizia's confidential information, sources and any data elevated from her devices, as part of the probe, will remain confidential.

The measure is intended to protect Caruana Galizia’s sources.

Kurt Sansone is Executive Editor of MaltaToday. He was formerly deputy editor of MaltaTod...