Protest concert to mark ninth anniversary of Daphne Caruana Galizia assassination

Repubblika will organise a Concert for Justice as part of a two-week programme commemorating the ninth anniversary of the assassination of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia.

The programme, held under the theme Justice Demands Action, will include concerts, public discussions, a lecture, a workshop and remembrance events.

“We appeal to everyone who believes in press freedom, in protecting those who expose abuse, and in the right of citizens to have institutions that are accountable to join us and, above all, to be there,” Repubblika said.

This year’s commemorations come after the trial of business tycoon Yorgen Fenech, who was acquitted of all charges related to his alleged involvement in Caruana Galizia’s murder.

The verdict prompted protests in Malta and abroad. On 16 September, thousands marched through Valletta near the Great Siege Monument to protest what they described as a failure to secure justice for the journalist and her family. 

It also made international headlines from news sources such as the BBC, Al Jazeera, The Guardian, Reuters, and AP News.

The BBC was even present at the protest to take comments from the public.

“As we showed on 16 September, our presence makes a difference,” Repubblika said. “When we come together, we show Daphne’s family, journalists, whistle-blowers, and everyone who speaks out against the abuse of power that they are not alone.”

The programme will begin on Saturday 4 October with Protesta: Concert for Justice at the Triton Fountain in Valletta, featuring a number of local bands who will take the stage at 4pm. MaltaToday is endorsing the protest concert.

"From the pen, to the voice, to the guitar, we will gather to show that we will not remain silent in the face of the corruption eating away at our country and the toxic ties between politicians and big business that have led to the assassination of one of our own," it said.

The concert will be organised together with NGOs Moviment Graffitti and Occupy Justice.

"Come and express your anger. Malta deserves better."

On Saturday 10 October, the public is invited to a Civic Convention Roundtable at 10am at the University of Malta’s Valletta campus.

A public lecture by Francesca Rispoli, the daughter of a mafia boss, will then be held at the university’s Msida campus on 15 October at 6:30pm.

Friday 16 October, the anniversary of Caruana Galizia’s assassination, will feature a full programme of commemorative events.

The day will begin at 10am with a workshop on whistle-blowing led by Anne Myers at Casino Maltese in Valletta.

At 3pm, a silent gathering will be held in Triq il-Bidnija, at the site where the bomb that killed Caruana Galizia exploded.

A mass in suffrage of Caruana Galizia will follow at St Francis Church in Valletta at 6pm, before a remembrance event closes the day at City Gate at 7pm.

Repubblika stressed, however, that remembering Caruana Galizia is not enough and that the pursuit of justice remains unfinished.

“We must act so that journalists can work without fear, whistle-blowers are protected, institutions fulfil their duties, and corruption and impunity are not accepted as a normal part of public life,” the NGO said.

“Nine years is a long time,” it added. “But the passage of time does not erase responsibility or bring the demand for justice to an end.”

Repubblika also appealed for donations to help cover the costs of the ninth-anniversary programme and invited members of the public to contribute to the campaign here.