Vigil Calls For Continued Fight For Rule Of Law In Daphne’s Memory
At a vigil held on the evening of 16th November at the Great Siege Monument in Valletta, two speakers urged continued vigilance in defending the rule of law and called on young people to take a more active role in civic life.
Edward Warrington, a member of Repubblika’s leadership, reflected on how honouring Daphne Caruana Galizia today gives people hope- not only for the present, but for future generations.
He drew a symbolic connection between the Great Siege Monument, a historic symbol of national resilience, and the makeshift memorial for Daphne, saying both represent victims of violence rooted in deep political issues.
He warned that when the State neglects the rule of law, failing to enforce laws fairly or restrain the powerful, violence is emboldened.
For him, the memorial serves as a call to action: citizens must use their rights: freedom of speech, independent journalism, peaceful protest, and judicial recourse, to demand accountability according to Malta Today.
James Cutajar, a student activist, spoke next. He revealed he was just 13 when Daphne was killed, and emphasised that her murder was not just about the act itself but about the truths she exposed.
He pointed to the Vitals scandal, noting that Daphne was among the first to reveal corruption tied to it.
Cutajar also criticised the state of Malta’s healthcare system, referring to long waiting times in hospitals and poorly maintained mental health facilities.
Turning to youth and media, he expressed concern that many young people don’t even understand what real investigative journalism is, instead, they consume click-driven social media content.
He quoted Daphne’s own writing: “When people taunt you … for not adopting an attitude of benign tolerance … bear in mind always that they … are … in the wrong.”
Cutajar praised fellow youths who attended a “RESTART” camp run by Repubblika, saying it demonstrated the power of youth engagement.
Finally, he noted that although he never read Daphne’s work when she was alive, her words still resonate today- which, he argued, proves that her concerns remain deeply relevant. “Daphne was right,” he concluded.
To close the vigil, Warrington quoted poet John Maxwell Edmonds: “When you go home, tell them of us and say, ‘For your tomorrows, we gave our today.’”
What do you make of their comments?
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