Occupy Justice expresses disappointment at Prime Minister’s remarks

Occupy Justice, a group of activists who have been camped in Castille Square since Thursday demanding justice for slain journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, have said it was regrettable that the Prime Minister had only stated he would be willing to meet them today, as their protest was ending.

“#occupyjustice has led its first action in its fight for justice following the assassination of the journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia. Hundreds of people from different walks of life joined our peaceful four-day protest at Castille Square in front of the Office of the Prime Minister,” read a statement by the group.

“Our request to meet the Prime minister clearly started on Thursday when we set up camp. It is regrettable that he chose to answer our official invitation in a public forum, just as the #occupyjustice event reached its close.”

Addressing a political activity this morning, Muscat said he would be willing to meet the protestors if they wished to, adding that he had assumed they were not interested in a meeting, given that they had also refused to use electricity provided by the government over the course of their protest.

Despite their disappointment, Occupy Justice said their invitation to meet with Muscat still stood. “We live in a democracy where open dialogue should be paramount.”

The group reiterated that their determination to fight for justice and a fairer, more equal society, had not been dampened, insisting that the country’s key institutions could not be allowed to be “held hostage by any government”.

“The institutions must be, and importantly also be seen to be, independent and upholding of the rule of law,” said the activists.

Occupy Justice thanked organisations which supported their initiative, including the Civil Society Network, ADITUS, Integra Foundation, Gender Equality Malta, SOS Malta, Kopin, Platform and the Critical Institute. 

“We also would like to thank the many companies, organisations and individuals who showed their solidarity by donating basic supplies,” they said, adding that sadly, a number of these were unable to show their support publicly for fear of repercussions.

“It is a shame that we are living in a society where intimidation and fear have become the norm. We have passed on surplus supplies to Dar Merhba Bik, the food bank at the St Andrew’s Scots Church and to the Ursuline sisters.”   
Finally, the group also thanked police officers who were on duty during the course of the protests, for the “courteous service” shown to them.

“This is our nation, this is our home, and we are the people. We expect better, we deserve better, we demand better,” they concluded.