I am still reeling at yesterday’s shocking news. Daphne Caruana Galizia was a wife, a mother and a daughter. Whether you agreed with her or not, she was Malta’s foremost investigative journalist with a career spanning over three decades. She was a beacon of hope for the fourth pillar of democracy. Every day, tens of thousands followed her online stories. She broke story after story. She championed freedom of speech, freedom of expression and defended her rights to the hilt.

The country came to a virtual standstill as the news of Daphne’s assassination spread like wildfire. As the news spread, so did the public’s reaction which travelled much faster than the news itself. Shock, horror, disbelief and fear. Could this really happen in a civilised country? Is this really what Malta has come to? How did this happen and why did it happen? Is it now dangerous for me to speak up? What next?

Within minutes, social media sites lit up. People changed their Facebook profiles to dark and took to the comment boards expressing their outrage. The call was taken up beyond Malta’s shores. The news was reported in international media. EU politicians had their say, as did local leaders.

Within four hours of Daphne’s murder, hundreds if not thousands of outraged yet determined individuals converged in Sliema, Daphne’s home town, in a public outpouring of support, grief and anger. The message was clear and unequivocal: we will not be silenced. No matter what, we will continue to speak up. We will continue to defend our basic rights. We will continue to defend democracy. We shall not be forced into submission.

Daphne will be sorely missed by her family, friends and followers. Rest in peace Daphne, you will never be forgotten.

Jerome Caruana Cilia is a master’s graduate in Politics and the European Union and hosts a daily political analysis and current affairs programme on Radio 101.