Activists Stage Silent Daphne Memorial Protest During Victory Day Ceremony
· Updated
In brief
- Civil society groups held a silent protest during the official Victory Day ceremony in Valletta.
- Demonstrators stood opposite the law courts holding photographs of murdered journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia.
- The protest took place alongside the annual wreath-laying event attended by government and state dignitaries.
Civil society activists staged a silent demonstration in Valletta on Monday evening during the state's official commemorations marking the eve of Victory Day.
The demonstration was organised by rule of law pressure groups Repubblika and Occupy Justice. Activists gathered opposite the law courts in Republic Street, holding up portraits of investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, who was assassinated in October 2017.
Demonstrators positioned themselves directly behind the perimeter of the ceremony as official proceedings unfolded at the Great Siege Monument, ensuring the memorial message was visible throughout the state event.
The annual gathering marks Victory Day, a national holiday commemorating the end of the Great Siege of 1565, the departure of French forces in 1800, and the lifting of the Siege of Malta during the Second World War.
State officials attending the ceremony included Prime Minister Robert Abela, parliamentary representatives, and Opposition officials, who took turns laying wreaths at the base of the national monument.
The Great Siege Monument has served as an impromptu memorial and site of regular vigil for Caruana Galizia since her death, leading to recurring civil society demonstrations during national events held in the capital.
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