Justice must take its course - President
President Coleiro Preca said that justice must take its course in the best interest of the country.
The President said that, at a time when the country was shocked by this atrocious act, people should be mindful of what they say, refrain from making judgements and show solidarity with Daphne Caruana Galizia’s husband and sons.
Speaking on TVM earlier, the President said this was a moment for people to come together, and for democracy to reign. She said that the people must come together and rise above political partisanship. Coleiro Preca said that nobody wins with this incident.
Archbishop Charles Scicluna expressed his support for everything the Prime Minister said, with regard to his determination to bring the person, or persons involved to justice. He appealed for calm and national unity. The Archbishop said that this was a cruel act, an assault on liberty, on democracy. “We should not be afraid, and come together and show respect to one another.”
Democracy is not just words but facts, he said. He then addressed all journalists in Malta, and he wished them all a long life.
The Institute of Maltese Journalists condemned the killing, saying that it was a direct attack on freedom of expression. “This is a black day for democracy,” the institute said, expressing its solidarity with the family and urging the police to find the people behind the incident.
The institute urged journalists not to give up their duties to report that they were shocked and could not believe without fear or favour.
The Labour Party said yesterday’s incident was unacceptable in a free and democratic country. It condemned the murder without reservation, saying that this was a moment where the country should unite.
Alternattiva Demokratika condemned the murder, saying what had happened. A woman told this newsroom that this was a cowardly act that reflects on the country as a whole. This was a murder that threatens the foundations of freedom of expression in Malta.
European People’s Party (EPP) President Joseph Daul said Caruana Galizia had dedicated her life to uncovering the truth through her reporting. that, “after what happened today, we do not feel safe anymore “We mourn such a great loss. She was an investigative journalist of the highest caliber, and her work on the Panama Papers has made the world a more transparent and a fairer place. Following such a horrific crime, we call on the appropriate authorities to launch an immediate investigation in our own country.”
Another person said that, “we hope that the institutions do their job properly and rule of law prevails.”
Solidarity with the journalist’s family extended also to the social media, with many changing their profile pictures to the slogan #jesuisdaphne or #iamdaphne. in order to shed light on this unspeakable act of violence and bring those responsible to justice.”
A number of foreign dignitaries, including European Parliament President Antonio Tajani, condemned the attack and expressed solidarity with the Caruana Galizia family.