Civil society organisation Repubblika has criticised the Valletta Local Council for refusing permission to display two large posters commemorating Daphne Caruana Galizia ahead of the ninth anniversary of her assassination.Speaking during a press conference at City Gate on Saturday morning, Repubblika explained that it had applied to install the posters, as it has done in previous years, carrying the message “Justice Requires Action”. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lovin Malta (@lovinmalta)According to the organisation, the council rejected its application on the grounds that the entire capital had been reserved for activities related to Notte Bianca and the Valletta Summit between 1st and 6th October.Repubblika said it subsequently requested a meeting with the council to find a solution and proposed alternative prominent locations in Valletta. However, it claimed that its requests went unanswered.The organisation also addressed subsequent arguments concerning public safety and alleged damage caused by banners in the past, insisting that these concerns had not been raised when its application was rejected.Repubblika maintained that it had never received any complaints about damage caused by the posters it had displayed in previous years and expressed its willingness to discuss any technical or safety requirements.It argued that the issue had now become much bigger than the installation of two posters, raising concerns about the gradual restriction of civic rights and freedom of expression.The organisation described the situation as a “war of attrition”, arguing that repeated administrative obstacles, unanswered requests and refusals could eventually discourage citizens from exercising their right to protest.Repubblika also questioned why Notte Bianca was being cited as a reason for the refusal, pointing out that the annual event had not prevented the posters from being displayed in previous years.It reiterated that the purpose of the posters was to remind the public that justice for Caruana Galizia’s assassination on 16th October 2017, and the circumstances surrounding it, remains incomplete.The organisation stressed that its message, “Justice Requires Action”, goes beyond remembering the murdered journalist and includes calls for stronger institutions, the protection of journalists and whistleblowers, and the investigation of corruption.Meanwhile, Repubblika reminded the public of the series of activities throughout October to commemorate the ninth anniversary of Caruana Galizia’s assassination.These will begin tomorrow Sunday 4th October, with Protesta: Kunċert għall-Ġustizzja, organised alongside Moviment Graffitti and Occupy Justice at Triton Square from 4pm.Further discussions on democratic participation and the right to truth will take place on 10th and 15th October respectively.On 16th October, commemorative activities will begin at 3pm in Bidnija, followed by Mass at St Francis Church at 6pm and the main gathering near Parliament in Valletta at 7pm.Repubblika concluded by urging the public to participate in the commemorative events, maintaining that Valletta should remain a place where citizens can celebrate, remember, criticise and protest.What do you make of the Valletta Local Council’s decision?•