Din l-Art Helwa National Trust for Malta, has announced that it is ”formally endorsing” and participating in the national solidarity protest scheduled for the 16th of September, at 7pm at Great Siege Square, Valletta.
The organisation said that ”this decision follows careful consideration by the Council and is rooted in our steadfast commitment to the preservation of Malta’s heritage, both cultural and natural.”
DLH stated that, ”our participation is not a political act, but a necessary extension of our mission. For over six decades, Din l-Art Helwa has acted as a watchdog for the Maltese Islands. We have consistently spoken truth to power regarding the destruction of our built heritage, the degradation of our natural environment and the importance of good governance in planning and development. We work to uphold the rule of law in the protection of our heritage and environment and seek to hold institutions accountable.”
DLH stressed that ”our heritage and countryside cannot be safeguarded in a climate of impunity. The rule of law is the ultimate foundation upon which the protection of our heritage rests. Without a functioning justice system and a free press, the legal frameworks designed to protect our environment and historical sites become meaningless. The assassination of a journalist who dedicated her life to uncovering corruption represents a direct assault on the pillars of democracy and justice that make our heritage work possible.”
Din l-Art Helwa concluded by saying that it therefore ”views the upholding of the rule of law as intrinsically linked to the defence of our heritage. We stand in solidarity with the Caruana Galizia family and with all citizens who demand truth and accountability. We invite our members and the public to join us on the 16th of September to demonstrate that Malta’s heritage, be it its history, its environment or its democracy is worth fighting for.”