Six years have passed since the brutal and tragic killing of Daphne Caruana Galizia, a courageous journalist whose life was taken away far too soon. 

On this sombre anniversary, we remember not just the shocking manner of her death, but also the fearless spirit and unwavering dedication to truth that defined her life. Daphne’s legacy serves as a stark reminder of the importance of journalism, freedom of speech, and the constant battle against corruption and injustice.

Daphne Caruana Galizia was more than just a journalist; she was a beacon of truth in a world where darkness often prevails. She was a lone but strong voice against a culture of impunity which was being perpetrated from above. Her investigative reporting exposed corruption at the highest levels of power, challenging the status quo and holding those in authority accountable for their actions. Through her fearless journalism, she became a voice for the voiceless, a champion for the marginalized, and a symbol of hope for a better, more just society.

The manner in which Daphne was silenced speaks volumes about the challenges journalists face worldwide. Journalists like her, who are unafraid to ask difficult questions and uncover uncomfortable truths, are essential pillars of democracy. They shine a light on corruption, injustice, and abuse of power, providing citizens with the information they need to make informed decisions and hold their leaders accountable.

In the six years since her passing, the fight for justice for Daphne Caruana Galizia has become a symbol of the broader struggle for press freedom and the protection of journalists worldwide. It is a battle that demands our attention and collective action. Journalists should not have to risk their lives to expose the truth. Governments and societies must create an environment where journalists can work without fear of violence, intimidation, or censorship.

However, let us not forget how during her brilliant journalistic career she was at times demonised even by elements within certain media houses, who resorted to all sorts of derogatory adjectives in an attempt to detract her work. Up to the very final day of her existence, they bragged about the fact that they did not deem it fit to call her a journalist at all. Days after her brutal murder, these same people jumped on the bandwagon to portray themselves as the defenders of free press. History will judge whether this was a genuine damascene moment or just an attempt to massage their own ego and at the same time quell their conscience.

As we mark this anniversary, let us reaffirm our commitment to the principles Daphne stood for. Let us support investigative journalism, protect journalists, and demand accountability from those who seek to silence the truth. Let us remember Daphne Caruana Galizia not only as a victim but also as a hero whose legacy inspires us to strive for a world where the pursuit of truth is respected, valued, and protected.

In honouring her memory, we must continue the fight for a more transparent, just, and accountable world. Only by upholding the values she embodied can we truly honour her legacy and ensure that her sacrifice was not in vain.

That afternoon of Monday October 16, 2017 was a watershed moment. Six years down the line, there have been too many instances whereby even here fiercest critics admitted that ‘Daphne was right’.