A sculpture depicting press freedom was recently presented to the Times of Malta, to continue encouraging journalists in their work.

Artist Kevin Scerri said he wanted the sculpture to serve as a reminder to journalists to never give up in the face of those who silence them.

“The message I have tried to convey to journalists and to those who wish to silence them is that if you break our pencil, we will sharpen all its pieces and come back stronger,” Mr Scerri said.

The wooden sculpture depicts a clenched fist holding a broken pencil over a bay laurel leaf, symbolising slain journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia’s strength and courage.

“I did not polish the bough used for the arm, to show that people do not need to be high-class to be active citizens or journalists,” he said.

The base of the sculpture, however, is polished, to represent the need for a strong and pure foundation, he added.

The first copy of the sculpture was presented to European Parliament president Antonio Tajani to commemorate World Press Freedom Day on May 3. Mr Scerri now plans to present a copy of the sculpture to journalists every year, to continue supporting the press in their work.

During the presentation earlier this year, Mr Tajani reiterated the European Parliament’s commitment to ensure justice for Ms Caruana Galizia.

“Her struggle is our struggle,” Mr Tajani said. “An attack on a journalist is an attack against our fundamental freedoms.”

The original sculpture is displayed in the press room of the European Parliament in Brussels.

The sculpture was presented to editors Ray Bugeja, Mark Wood and Herman Grech. MEP Roberta Metsola, who was present when Mr Scerri presented the sculpture at the European Parliament, was also in attendance.

“I looked into her parents’ eyes and promised them again that their battle for truth and justice for their daughter is our battle too,” Dr Metsola said.

“Ms Caruana Galizia was assassinated for seeking the truth and nothing will stop us from demanding justice.”

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