Last updated Friday 3pm - A group of women who are holding a protest on Castille Place received an endorsement from Daphne Caruana Galizia's sons on Thursday night.
But they also fumed over a Facebook post by Tony Zarb, former GWU general secretary, which compared them to "prostitutes and traitors".
The activists received a take-away pizza with bay leaves from Caruana Galizia's garden as a 'symbol of strength and courage' with the note reproduced below.
But their surprise turned to anger later when got wind of a post by Mr Zarb.
The group, which calls itself #OccupyJustice said it was unacceptable that in the year 2017 the former GWU boss used such language in their regard.
"It is totally unacceptable that someone like Mr Zarb who carries the weight of a former union leader resorts to such sexist comments on Facebook.
"To quote Daphne Caruana Galizia 'And then, when they find themselves confronted with a really strong woman, they all go bleating off on Twitter and Facebook, screeching about witches and how they should be controlled.”
Earlier in the evening the women set up tents on Castille Place and said they plan to stay there till Sunday evening, calling for the resignation of the police commissioner and the attorney general in the wake of Caruana Galizia's murder.
In line with the call made by Civil Society Network, they also want their successors appointed by a two-thirds parliamentary majority.
Ten tents were set up opposite the Auberge de Castille. A big banner displaying the police commissioner's face, with a slogan calling for his resignation, was laid out in front of the Prime Minister's office.
Their presence is planned at Castille Square until Sunday evening. The Civil Society Network has also said it will hold another national protest, in Sliema, on Sunday, following the assassination of Malta's most controversial journalist.
"We need to restore faith in the proper functioning of our institutions and democracy. For this to be done and to be seen to be done, our leaders need to act and quickly. The AG, and the Commissioner of Police, need to be replaced with non-divisive, competent persons who enjoy the trust of all," the group, said.
"The horrendous assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia has exposed beyond doubt the worrying state of our nation, a condition brought about by the
failure of the government to recognize the importance of good governance and robust institutions.
Our key institutions cannot be held hostage by our political class, they must be, and importantly be seen to be independent and upholding the rule of law
"Many are now seeing the glaring need for change, changes that require leadership, integrity and effective decisions."
The group said this was the time to hold the government, political parties and parliament to account.
"We need to restore faith in the proper functioning of our institutions and democracy."
"Our key institutions cannot be held hostage by our political class, they must be, and importantly be seen to be independent and upholding the rule of law."
The group said it wanted safety, protection, honesty, transparency and integrity.
"We want our faith restored in our country, in our future, in our children's future. And we want it to start now. With us. At this rate, no political party can save
us."
A government spokesman said electricity was provided to the protestors after they made a request.
"We decided to provide electricity even after hours, through St James Cavalier," he said.
The Castille Place protest is being supported by Integra Foundation, ADITUS, The Critical Institute, Civil Society Network, SOS Malta, Platform of Human Rights Organisations in Malta and Gender Equality Malta.
"Following the horrendous assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia, many are now seeing the glaring need for change. But this requires strong leadership and effective decisions. It is clear that we need to restore faith in the proper functioning of our institutions and democracy," the group said.
Photo: Matthew Mirabelli"For this to be done and to be seen to be done, our leaders need to act and quickly. The Attorney General and the Commissioner of Police need to be replaced with non-divisive persons who enjoy the trust of all. We stand for this and for constitutional reforms that can bring about this change.
"We stand for strengthening the three arms of the state and for the proper separation of powers. We want a change in the ways things are being done. We want safety, protection, honesty, transparency. We want our faith restored in our country, in our future, in our children's future. And we want it to start now."
The Castille Place protest is being supported by Integra Foundation, Aditus, The Critical Institute, Civil Society Network, SOS Malta, Platform of Human Rights Organisations in Malta and Gender Equality Malta.