Updated at 5.41pm with statement from European Conference of Christian Radios
Many of Malta's journalists held a commemoration in Valletta today to mark their sorrow at the murder of blogger Daphne Caruana Galizia and to promise that the savage attack will not intimidate the profession.
They carried placards calling for freedom of expression, democracy and justice as they walked from Valletta's City gate to the Great Siege monument, which has been turned into a temporary shrine for the blogger.
The journalists expressed solidarity with the Caruana Galizia family and condemned the barbaric act which not only destroyed the life of a journalist colleague but tried to stifle the right to freedom of expression.
This, they said in a declaration, was one of the most despicable acts ever carried out in this country.
"We stand here today to give hope to society. This attack on one of us will not stop us from shining a light where others want darkness, the attack on one of us will not muzzle us, the attack on one of us will not stop us from fulfilling our role as a watchdog to the institutions. We will stand up to intimidation, whoever it’s coming from.
"Let's hope this country’s citizens understand the importance of upholding and promoting a free and open press," said a statement read by Times of Malta online editor Herman Grech and The Malta Independent news editor Rachel Attard.
Those present were also informed that an application has been filed in court by the Institute of Journalists seeking to ensure that any data found on Mrs Caruana Galizia's mobile phone or laptop will remain confidential and only information directly related to the crime may be retrieved. The application was filed in order to safeguard the protection of sources.
In a statement, the European Conference of Christian Radios expressed shock and condemnation at the murder.
"We offer our prayers and full solidarity with her family at this very difficult moment.We express our full solidarity also with the journalistic community of Malta at the loss of such an eminent journalist. Freedom of the press can only happen when journalists can fulfil their duty without fear of intimidation. We urge the government to guarantee the safety of all journalists while we encourage all journalists to continue without fear the exercise of their profession.
"We express our full solidarity also with the journalistic community of Malta at the loss of such an eminent journalist.Freedom of the press can only happen when journalists can fulfil their duty without fear of intimidation. We urge the government to guarantee the safety of all journalists while we encourage all journalists to continue without fear the exercise of their profession.
"Freedom of the press can only happen when journalists can fulfil their duty without fear of intimidation.We urge the government to guarantee the safety of all journalists while we encourage all journalists to continue without fear the exercise of their profession.
"We urge the government to guarantee the safety of all journalists while we encourage all journalists to continue without fear the exercise of their profession."