“Do we really need to remind our head of government that #FreedomOfExpression is not a free-for-all-say-what-you-like and that it is limited by laws and regulations that protect, amongst other things, the rights of others?” the statement reads.

The women accuse Neville Gafa of using his role to institutionalise bullying and act out of personal hatred for Daphne Caruana Galizia, rather than protecting a national monument. They urge the PM and his office to acknowledge the real motives behind Gafa’s actions by simply checking his blog.

“Mr Neville Gafa’s acts are nothing but institutionalised bullying, motivated only by the deep hate that festers within him towards #DaphneCaruanaGalizia. His actions have absolutely nothing to do with the preservation of a national monument.”

The group also criticised the OPM’s statement, which they say relied on predictable “whataboutism”, framing the protest as merely symbolic rather than recognising it as a protest, which the courts have repeatedly affirmed is protected.

“How many times has the Prime Minister thrown a hissy fit, advising us to let the institutions do their work? And then, when they do, when the judiciary issues a 115-page ruling stating that it is the protestors’ right to protest, he proceeds to ignore this completely,” the statement reads.

They condemned Abela for choosing “cluelessness over integrity” instead of standing up for fundamental human rights, noting that his silence has been deafening, aside from a brief apology following the 2021 inquiry into the journalist’s murder.

“Prime Minister, we the women of #occupyjustice know our rights. We have been insulted, harassed, bullied, threatened with violence, and vilified. And yet, we have persevered in preserving our protest for 8 years and have no intention of stopping until justice is served.”

The women of #OccupyJustice make it clear: their fight isn’t over. Eight years on, they continue to stand their ground, defend their rights, and demand justice for Daphne Caruana Galizia, no matter what the Prime Minister says.

Malta may have a government, but they’re proving that the voice of the people cannot be silenced.

What do you think of this situation?

Photo credits to the Occupy Justice Malta