Monthly Daphne Caruana Galizia Vigil Cancelled As Murder Trial Continues

Occupy Justice Malta and Repubblika have announced they will not be holding their monthly silent vigil marking 105 months since the assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia, citing the ongoing court proceedings against the alleged mastermind behind her murder.

In a statement, the organisations said they had decided to cancel the gathering following information they had received regarding statements made in court.

They later explained that, with the trial now underway and expected to still be in session at the time the vigil would normally take place, they felt it was appropriate not to organise any activity this month.

“The trial of the alleged mastermind has finally started, and so we wait in hope that justice will finally be served,” the groups said.

They described Caruana Galizia’s assassination as an attempt to silence her investigative work.

“Daphne was murdered in the most brutal way to shut her up, to stop her from revealing more crime and corruption. The person behind that horrific murder must pay for his crimes.”

Occupy Justice and Repubblika said that, while supporters would normally be encouraged to attend the monthly vigil at the Great Siege Memorial in Valletta every 16th of the month, this month’s event has been cancelled because of the ongoing court case.

Instead, they said they will continue following the proceedings closely while remembering the slain journalist and supporting her family.

“We will follow the court case as usual, and as always remember Daphne in our hearts and send our love and support to her family.”

The organisations concluded their statement with a simple message:

“Thank you, Daphne.”

The monthly vigils have been held since Caruana Galizia’s assassination in a car bomb attack on 16th October 2017, becoming a longstanding symbol of calls for truth, justice and accountability.

Credit: Repubblica & Occupy Justice Malta

READ NEXT: Watch: New Digital Space Opens At Mount Carmel Hospital

Riana Xerri

Riana is an American-Gozitan content creator and nurse. When she's not working, she's jetting off to see her favourite artists live in concert, capturing the magic of each experience.

You can follow her adventures on Instagram @rianaxerri