What happened on the Great Siege Monument last night was not just a public relations embarrassment for Repubblika, it was a moment that revealed how far the once-vocal NGO has fallen, even in the eyes of its traditional allies.
During their monthly vigil, barely a dozen people bothered to show up, signalling the lowest point yet for a group that once commanded crowds and headlines with righteous indignation. But more telling than the pitiful turnout was the way Newsbook, the Church’s own media portal, chose to handle it.
In its coverage, Newsbook named Martina Farrugia of Occupy Justice and Marion Pace Asciak of Repubblika as speakers. Yet, not a single word about Prof. Vicki Ann Cremona, the actual President of Repubblika who also addressed those who did bother to attend.
Did Newsbook muzzle Vicki Ann Cremona for standing by Robert Aquilina, who has been recently arraigned in court accused of domestic violence and the illegal arrest of his wife?
Was this an editorial slip? Hardly. More and more, it seems the Church’s media arm is quietly distancing itself from an organisation that is no longer a fearless voice for justice but a shield for dubious causes and controversial figures.
Let’s not forget: Repubblika has wrapped itself in moral posturing while defending Aquilina amid chilling allegations and a formal risk assessment classifying the threat to his wife as “high risk.”
Why amplify the President’s words when doing so risks highlighting this hypocrisy? Why give oxygen to a vigil that looks more like a private echo chamber than a meaningful stand for the rule of law?
For years, Repubblika banked on sympathetic coverage from the Church’s media to boost its moral authority. Now, the silence speaks volumes. If even Newsbook prefers to muzzle Vicki Ann Cremona rather than report her remarks, the message is clear: the once untouchable NGO has become an embarrassment even to its staunchest backers.
What happens next? Probably more small vigils, more empty slogans, and more selective reporting — but fewer and fewer people will care to watch.
