Updated 11.50am with new video interview

Scores of protesters marched in Valletta on Saturday morning in memory of the women killed by partners or relatives in Malta. 

Participants, some of whom sporting symbolic blood-stained necks, are carrying the names of 32 women and girls killed in the last 20 years by their partners, children and other relatives. 

"Not one more," and "justice now", protesters chanted, as they walked down Republic Street before stopping in front of the law courts. 

"These are 32 murdered women. There are many more suffering. We all, as a country, need to pull up our socks," said Lara Dimitrijevic, chairperson of the Women's Rights Foundation. 

The march against femicide was spearheaded by the Women's Rights Foundation and supported by a number of NGOs, including Graffitti and Soar -St Jeanne Antide Foundation.

President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, Parliamentary Secretary Julia Farrugia, Nationalist MP Claudette Buttigieg and Alternattiva Demokratika officials were among those taking part in the demonstration, at least for the initial part. 

AD deputy chairman Mario Mallia said there was an urgent need for the state and the courts to pass on a clear message in favour of victims of domestic violence and one of assertiveness when dealing with perpetrators.

The state needed to step up its efforts in empowering women in all spheres of society through better gender mainstreaming of policy and practice.

The silent march was called after 35-year-old Lourdes Agius was found dead in her bedroom in Paola last weekend. Her partner has since been charged with her murder.