Prominent investigate journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia murdered

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On 16th September 2017, prominent Maltese investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia was killed in a car bombing. She was well-known for revealing Maltese officials' corruption scandals and involvement in corruption schemes that were published in the Panama Papers. Prior to her death, Galizia had reported receiving multiple death threats. 

Article 19, along with other organisations, have called for a "full, independent and speedy" investigation into the murder, asserting that given the nature of Galizia's investigative work, the government should "allow the investigation to be led and conducted by independent, external sources".

Galizia's son recently spoke out following his mother's death, calling the car bombing an "assassination". On his Facebook page, Matthew Caruana Galizia declared:

“My mother was assassinated because she stood between the rule of law and those who sought to violate it, like many strong journalists. But she was also targeted because she was the only person doing so. This is what happens when the institutions of the state are incapacitated: the last person left standing is often a journalist. Which makes her the first person left dead".

Peaceful Assembly

On 17th October, Civil Society Network - Malta organised a protest in Valletta, gathering several hundred to call for justice to be served in the case of Galizia's murder. In addition, Avaaz created a letter to honour Galizia's life and work that has been signed by thousands from all over the world. The letter states:

"We honour the power of your words that so often spoke to a sense of justice deep within us. We honour your courage to speak the truth no matter what. You made us proud when others put this country to shame".