Malta: Civil society groups announce protest January 5 /update 9

Event

Two civil society groups have called for a protest on Sunday, January 5. Organizers said on Tuesday, December 31, that they will announce further details regarding an exact time and meeting location closer to the date.

Further protests are anticipated in the coming days and weeks. A heightened security presence and localized transportation disruptions are expected near any protest site. 

Context

Thousands of people have participated in demonstrations in Valletta since November 26 to demand political change and the resignation of Prime Minister Joseph Muscat and other senior government officials for their perceived complicity in the murder of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia in October 2017. Galizia is believed to have been assassinated due to her reporting on government corruption in Malta. A police investigation into her murder has led to the resignation of several government officials and prompted widespread protests.

On December 1, Prime Minister Muscat announced that he will resign as leader of the Labour Party on Sunday, January 12, 2020, and resign as prime minister in the days following. However, several opposition activists have called for the prime minister's immediate resignation.

Advice

Individuals in Malta, particularly in Valletta, are advised to monitor developments, avoid all protests and demonstrations, prepare for transportation disruptions around protest sites, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.